HC Deb 07 March 1935 vol 298 cc2131-2
63. Mr. STOURTON

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, the operation of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, tends to favour the combine motor-coach proprietors to the detriment of the small owner; whether he can state the number of small operators in business in the year prior to the passing of the Act; and how many small motor-coach owners there were at the time of issue of the last report of the Traffic Commissioners?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I understand that before the passage of the Act of 1930 there was a distinct tendency towards the amalgamation and absorption of small operators. While the Act did not affect that tendency, the small operator has benefited equally with the large operator from the more stable conditions created by the passing of the Act. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPOET such figures as I have.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Does that mean that those who have got licences will benefit but that those who did not get them have lost?

Following are the figures:

The numbers of persons carrying on the business of operating omnibuses or motor coaches and owning not more than four such vehicles were:

At 31st December, 1931 … 5,310
At 31st December, 1932 … 5,180
At 31st December, 1933 … 4,800

Figures for the period prior to the passing of the Act are not available.