HC Deb 16 July 1941 vol 373 cc595-6
42. Mr. Silkin

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Trans port whether he has considered the London Passenger Transport Board's application to him for authority to withdraw, as from 1st July last, existing through booking facilities between certain road points on the omnibus, tramcar and trolley-omnibus services of the Board, and a number of underground stations; and whether, seeing that the withdrawal of these facilities is equivalent to an increase in charges to the travelling public, he will refuse permission?

Colonel Llewellin

Through season tickets are not affected by these proposals. They apply to ordinary single through bookings, but these are only available at relatively few points. The proposed withdrawal will ease the work of conductors, many of whom are now inexperienced, and will not, I think, cause any real hardship.

Mr. Silkin

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a considerable number of passengers use these facilities daily and that the result of withdrawing them will mean increased charges?

Colonel Llewellin

I have gone into the matter. The increased revenue likely to be secured from this source over a whole year is only £6,000 out of the takings of some £40,000,000 of the L.P.T.B.