§ 36. Mr. Granville Sharpasked the Minister of Transport why it is still necessary to prove to the satisfaction of the regional transport commissioner that exceptional hardship would be caused by not having more than four omnibus stops to the mile before this number may be exceeded; and whether the convenience of the public cannot now be given greater consideration by the withdrawal or modification of this instruction.
§ Mr. BarnesThe reason for limiting the number of bus stops was to save fuel and wear and tear on vehicles. That reason still holds good. Sympathetic consideration has always been given to any reasonable case for additional stops.
§ Mr. SharpIs my right hon. Friend aware that, although the answer he has given now is the same as that which he gave two years ago, conditions have improved since that time? Is he further aware that there are many occasions on which a bus company is quite agreeable to providing an additional stop which the local authority thinks is necessary, Would he do something to avoid all this unnecessary application to the regional transport commissioner?
§ Mr. BarnesI do not agree that the need for economy is less urgent today. In some respects it is even more urgent. With regard to these matters of stops, all local opinion is consulted. I am not aware that there is an unreasonable attitude to any proposal.