HC Deb 17 February 1932 vol 261 cc1633-4
44. Brigadier-General MAKINS

asked the Minister of Transport if he can arrange to take at an early date the appeal of Messrs. Sharp's omnibus service, which runs between the Hazel Grove district and Stockport and Manchester, as well as Poynton and Woodford, against the decision of the traffic commissioners for the North-Western area?

Mr. PYBUS

Every endeavour is made to deal with appeals of this nature as quickly as possible. I may add that, pending the decision on an appeal, the applicant is permitted to continue the service which he is operating.

Brigadier-General MAKINS

Will the Minister take into consideration that Messrs. Sharp created this service and that it is the best in a large neighbourhood? Also is he aware of the universal local indignation at the injustice of the decision of the traffic committee?

Mr. SMITHERS

Is the hon. Gentleman also aware that it is only typical of many cases all over the country?

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that indignation is felt by neighbouring constituencies which are affected by the service in question?

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I hope the Minister will pay no attention to all this pressure that is brought to bear on him to try to crush this Measure because they think it is a piece of Socialism.

62. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction on the part of the small motor omnibus owners in regard to the decisions given against them under the Road Traffic Act; and whether it is his intention to reconsider the method by which an appeal can be made against these decisions?

Mr. PYBUS

Representations were made to me as to the hardships inflicted on small operators whose services were curtailed or discontinued, and I issued certain General Directions, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend, to the traffic commissioners for all areas. With regard to the second part of his question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Tiverton (Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte) on the 9th December last, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that continual questions are being raised by those small owners of the hardships they experience, and will it be possible for him to simplify the procedure?

Mr. PYBUS

I have just referred to the general directions which I gave to the traffic commissioners in regard to dealing with any such case which might arise.

Sir J. HASLAM

Is it possible for other hon. Members to get copies of these directions seeing that most of us are interested in the reply?