§ 39. Mr. ALPASSasked the Minister of Transport what regulations have been issued governing the procedure of local authorities in revising omnibus fares on omnibuses run by private companies?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONI presume my hon. Friend is referring to the 385 powers of the Traffic Commissioners under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, to attach conditions as to fares when granting or backing a road service licence.
Under the provisions of Section 72 of the Act the Commissioners are required to take into consideration any representations which may be made by any local authority in whose area any of the routes or any part of any of the routes is situate. Sub-section (6) of Section 72 contains further provisions as to the fixing of maximum or minimum fares.
The procedure to be followed in making representations to the Commissioners is set out in Article 45 of the Public Service Vehicles (Licences and Certificates) Provisional Regulations, 1931.
§ Mr. AYLESIf a local authority refuses to act, are there any means whereby the citizens may, by petition, approach the Traffic Commissioners? For example, if the Bristol City Council refuse to act, can the citizens petition the Commissioners against the abominably high fares ruling in that city?
§ Mr. MORRISONSo far as my memory serves me, the duty rests on the local authority and not on the individual citizens. It is for citizens to influence their local authorities.
§ Mr. KINLEYHave the Commissioners power to withhold licences in the case of public service vehicles, such as tramcars, which are unfit for use?
§ Mr. MORRISONThe Traffic Commissioners do not license tramcars at all.