§ 1. Mr. SCRYMGEOURasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has intimated to the Dundee Town Council disapproval of amendments to by-laws in which a proposal was made and passed by the sheriff allowing passengers to stand in corporation omnibuses; if he is aware that this involves running the omnibuses at a loss; and whether he would be willing to reconsider such decision in the interests of all concerned?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sip John Gilmour)I refused to confirm the amending by-law referred to on the ground that the declared object of the town council was to authorise a greater number of passengers to be carried on omnibuses than is allowed by the Railway Passenger Duty Act, 1842, and I am not prepared to reconsider my decision. I have no information as to whether the omnibuses owned by the town council of Dundee are run at a loss because of the restrictions imposed by the Act.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURSeeing that the Railway Passenger Duty Act of 1842 has, as its main provision, the interests of revenue, and that the interim report of 2092 the Minister of Transport in 1922 recommended permission for a few additional passengers, will the right hon. Gentleman agree to a proposal, if the number suggested is within his idea of a fair provision as allowed under the Tramways Act and such like Measures?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAll that I can say is that no doubt, when there is further legislation to deal with passenger traffic, this problem may be dealt with.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURBut for the present, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter and put it on the footing of the tramways?
§ Mr. JAMES HUDSONWill the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that he might make representations to Dundee on this matter, especially in view of the result of his representations at Battersea?
§ Mr. WESTWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that private enterprise is allowed to pack the omnibuses in other districts?
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURThis is not private enterprise, but a corporation.