§ 42. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received further protests from local authorities in North London against recent increases in omnibus fares; whether the London General Omnibus Company has replied to his communication; and whether he proposes to take any further action?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel ASHLEY)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have not yet received the observations of the London General Omnibus Company in the matter.
§ Mr. HARRISHow long will the company have to fabricate their reply?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI wrote to the company only five days ago, and it is not unreasonable that there should be no reply by now.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESHas not there been a previous occasion when the right hon. Gentleman asked for the observations of the company? Has he ever received a reply from them?
§ Colonel ASHLEYCertainly.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman publish the reply in order that the House may know their answer to the charge of unjustifiable increases of fares?
§ Mr. HARRISDoes the right hon. Member realise that the travelling public will not get back the money which they are paying in extra fares while he is delaying?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI cannot admit that there is delay. The hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr. Morrison) raised the question a week ago, and I wrote to the Company. They have had only four days since the receipt of the letter, and it is not unreasonable that they have not replied by to-day.
§ Mr. MORRISONWhen the right hon. Gentleman has received a reply, will he be good enough to let me know?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWith pleasure.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman let me have a reply as to whether he will publish any previous replies which he has received from the London General Omnibus Company?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI will consider that matter.