§ 34. Mrs. Ayrton Gouldasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that if housewives and old people can carry home their shopping baskets by omnibus. they are saved a great deal of fatigue; and if he will take steps to provide short-stage 1d. omnibus fares to facilitate shopping conditions.
§ Mr. BarnesI presume that my hon. Friend refers to omnibuses in the London area. As she is probably aware, the Charges Consultative Committee have conducted a public inquiry, which ended on 18th July, for the purpose of advising me as to the best method of adjusting the Board's fares. I must therefore defer consideration of the second part of the Question until I have received their report.
§ Mrs. Ayrton GouldWill my right hon. Friend remember that in these days there are a great many old and infirm people who have no alternative but to go and buy and carry home their rations and other things with great difficulty, added to which the ordinary housewife's burden is a very heavy one, so that if she has long distances to walk, carrying a heavy basket, it makes her very much more tired?
§ Hon. Members: Answer.