HC Deb 26 November 1945 vol 416 cc879-80
19. Colonel Erroll

asked the Minister of War Transport whether his attention has been called to the views of the transport department of the Manchester Corporation with regard to the desirability of increasing the present length and width of omnibuses permitted in existing regulations; and whether, in view of the importance of this change, both to the comfort of pas- sengers in this country and for the development of our export trade in omnibuses, he will arrange for the matter to be considered at an early date.

Mr. Barnes

My attention has not been called to the views of the transport department of the Manchester Corporation, but the general position in regard to the dimensions of passenger service vehicles is now under review, and I hope that a decision on this matter will be reached at an early date.

Sir Wavell Wakefield

Is the Minister aware that the public would greatly appreciate a greater width of omnibus for their convenience, and that conductors and others who have to work in the buses would find it of great assistance to them as well? Will he give this matter his favourable consideration?

Sir Wavell Wakefield

Is the Minister aware that the public would greatly appreciate a greater width of omnibus for their convenience, and that conductors and others who have to work in the buses would find it of great assistance to them as well? Will he give this matter his favourable consideration?

Mr. Barnes

I quite appreciate the advantages in certain directions, but I have to keep in mind also the serious disadvantages in other directions if this proposal were adopted. However, as I have indicated, I am giving this matter serious examination.

Mr. J. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that the export market can only be -met by buses of larger dimensions?

Mr. Barnes

I am aware of that aspect of this problem.

Colonel Clarke

Is the Minister aware that a lot of routes in country districts cannot be used because buses are already too wide?

Mr. Barnes

That is one of the problems of the other side of this picture to which I was referring.