HC Deb 24 May 1939 vol 347 cc2284-5
36. Mr. Cartland

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that Mr. Archibald Safford, reporting on his committee of inquiry with regard to the free carriage of children on public service vehicles, suggested that the three-years age-limit should not be regarded as a universal rule, and that local circumstances might justify an exception; and whether he will reconsider his decision to impose the three-years age-limit on the Birmingham Corporation?

The Minister of Transport (Captain Euan Wallace)

Mr. Safford, who had had the advantage of hearing counsel on behalf of the Birmingham Corporation, states in paragraph 36 of his report: There may be local circumstances not within my knowledge that would justify an exception. I can only say that no such circumstances were brought to my attention. In any case, as my hon. Friend the Member for Deritend (Sir Smedley Crooke) was informed on 8th May, I have no power to re-open an appeal which has been determined in accordance with the provisions of the Statute.

Mr. Cartland

Surely under Section 81 of the Road Transport Act, my right hon. Friend has the right to vary any specific order? What I ask him to do is to agree to consider whether there are not circumstances which ought to make this free carriage apply to children up to the age of five.

Captain Wallace

I am afraid that Mr. Safford said in his report that he did not think so. I shall be very glad to discuss the matter with my hon. Friend but I am advised that I have not the power to alter the decision.

Mr. Higgs

Is the Minister aware that the decision which was given does not affect trolley buses and tramcars, and, therefore, those districts which are served by petrol buses are now being penalised and are being unjustly treated, as compared with those districts which are served by other forms of public transport?

Captain Wallace

Yes, Sir, I am perfectly well aware what the decision is.

Mr. Poole

Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that in the case of Birmingham, as of other large cities, the people most affected are those who have been pushed out of the centre of the city to live five or six miles out, and that it is a very definite hardship on working class people to have to pay for children between three and five and will he give very serious reconsideration to the whole question?

Captain Wallace

I have said that I am prepared to discuss it with my hon. Friend, but I am advised that I have no power to reopen the case, now that the statutory procedure has been gone through and it has been decided.

Mr. Buchanan

Has the Minister no power to go back to the gentleman who held the inquiry and ask him to reconsider his recommendation in view of the representations which have been made.

Captain Wallace

No, I understand that I have no power to reopen the case.