HC Deb 08 July 1953 vol 517 cc1411-2

11.30 p.m.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Gurney Braithwaite)

I beg to move, That the Hartlepool Corporation Act, 1925, Modification Order, 1953, dated 27th May, 1953, a copy of which was laid before this House on 9th June, be approved. Hon. Members will wish to know that this Order, which was made under Section 91 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, removes the prohibition contained in Section 5 of the Hartlepool Corporation Act, 1925, on the running of omnibuses by that Corporation on a part of Cleveland Road in Hartlepool.

The purpose of the prohibition had been to protect the trolley vehicle service along this road between Hartlepool and West Hartlepool against competition from motor omnibuses. The trolley vehicle service is now no longer in existence, and has been replaced by motor omnibuses. The removal of the prohibition will enable Hartlepool Corporation to share in this omnibus service with their neighbours in West Hartlepool. I hope that after this brief explanation hon. Members will agree to this useful step.

11.31 p.m.

Mr. David Jones (The Hartlepools)

I merely wish to say that there is no objection to this Order. My only regret is that it has been necessary to go to the Ministry to get the alteration made. If there is to be an argument or a row between these two local authorities, it is just as well that they should both be in a position to have it out properly.