§ 38. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of War Transport whether he proposes to take any action to enforce the right of the public to stand in motor omnibuses up to the limit allowed by his regulations.
§ Mr. BarnesI am meeting the representatives of the union tomorrow afternoon, and in the circumstances I am sure that my hon. Friend will not press me to say more at the moment.
§ Mr. KeelingFor the information of the public, who are obviously immensely interested in this matter, would the Minister 1738 confirm that the public have a legal right to stand in buses up to the limit allowed, and that the conductors are under a legal obligation to allow them to do so?
§ Mr. BarnesI think really that supplementary question is implied in the original Question, and, as I have indicated, I think the present moment is not the best time to answer that question.
§ Mr. KeelingSurely there is no objection to stating what the present law is?
§ Mr. BarnesIt is not quite so easy to state definitely "Yes" or "No" as to the legality of a particular position, and if the hon. Gentleman will just accept the spirit of my reply, I can assure him that he will be better serving the interests of the public in which he is so much concerned than by persisting with his question.
§ Mr. EdenWhile nobody has any desire to prejudice the right hon. Gentleman's negotiations—[Hon. Members: "Oh, no!"]—no, we have not; I think that will be accepted in good faith—surely it is not unreasonable to ask the Government, if not now, at any rate at the earliest opportunity, to be good enough to tell the House what is the legal position?
§ Mr. BarnesI entirely accept the assurance of the right hon. Gentleman, and it is only because, when I do give the information to the House, I want it to be watertight, that I suggest it is not wise to press for it now.
§ Mr. BarnesI am hoping to do so immediately I have met the representatives of the union and have found out the position.