§ 68. Sir J. Nallasked the Minister of Transport whether he has now settled the procedure under which municipally-owned transport undertakings may revise their charges to meet the conditions now prevailing; whether this procedure is on lines similar to the Tramways Temporary Increase of Charges Orders adopted in the last war with such modification as is necessary to give Regional Transport Commissioners the necessary authority; and whether it is intended these undertakings should continue to be self-supporting or incur a charge on local rates?
§ Captain WallaceApplications for revision of public service vehicle fares should be made to the appropriate Regional Transport Commissioner. Tramway and trolley vehicle operators have power, subject to any action which I might take under the Defence Regulations, to revise fares within the statutory maxima. Applications for authority to increase such fares beyond the statutory maxima should be made to my Department, and applicants will be required to furnish supporting information, as was done under the Statutory Undertakings (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1918. Where a municipally-owned transport undertaking was self-supporting prior to the war, my intention would be that it should, so far as possible, continue to be so.
§ Sir J. NallHave the Regional Commissioners already got authority to deal with this matter?
§ Captain WallaceThe procedure under which the Regional Commissioners will deal with the matter is under examination at the moment.