§ 25. Earl CASTLE STEWARTasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the reduction of fares below an economic level by the larger omnibus combines is driving many small omnibus proprietors out of business, particularly in the villages; and whether, in view of the hardship inflicted on villages by the closing of local garages and by the curtailment of local omnibus services, he will take steps to safeguard the interests of village omnibus proprietors?
§ Mr. PYBUSThe licensing of road passenger services is a matter for the Traffic Commissioners set up under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, and I have no jurisdiction in regard to any particular case, except on appeal being made to me under the provisions of the Act. It is open to any operators, whether large or small, to make representations to the Commissioners that they are being unfairly undercut by their competitors and I understand that the charging of uneconomic fares is a matter often argued before them. I am not aware of any general position such as my Noble Friend indicates, but I may inform him that the Commissioners are specifically empowered to attach to road service licences granted by them conditions as to the fares to be charged, so as to secure, amongst other things, that the fares shall not be unreasonable and that, where desirable in the public interest, they should be so fixed as to prevent uneconomic competition. I should have regard to the same consideration if the point was before me in connection with an appeal.