HC Deb 03 April 1957 vol 568 cc379-81
17. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the number of undertakings carrying passengers in public service vehicles under licence that have increased fares in accordance with Section 2 (1) of the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties (Temporary Increase) Act, 1956, to the extent of the permitted amount, and the number that have so increased fares but less than that amount.

Mr. Watkinson

I regret that this information is not available. There is no obligation on operators to report increases in fares made under the provisions of this Act.

Mr. Davies

Surely, they report the fares to the Traffic Commissioners, do they not? Apart from that, how long is the travelling public to have to carry this unfair burden of increased fares? Is it not a fact that bus services have now been restored to normal, that they have a full ration of petrol—in other words, rationing as far as they are concerned has virtually come to an end—and yet they still have to pay an extra tax which is passed on to the public? When will this cease?

Mr. Watkinson

It is clearly sot out in the relevant piece of legislation, and, of course, rationing is still in force for petrol.

Mr. Davies

Does the right hon. Gentleman not appreciate that if he had accepted the recommendations of the Opposition that public service vehicles should be exempt from the increased tax, now that they are not subject to rationing, their fares could be reduced?

Mr. Watkinson

That is quite another matter.

22. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in view of the removal of restriction on the use of diesel oil for road transport, allocations of petrol to operators of petrol-driven public service vehicles are such as to place them in no worse position than operators of similar vehicles which are diesel-engined.

Mr. Watkinson

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Davies

While appreciating that reply, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if this does not confirm that those operators are now able to obtain all the fuel they require for their services and it is quite unfair that they should continue to be taxed the extra 1s. on fuel they consume—a tax which was imposed to compensate for reduced consumption of fuel? How long is this tax going on?

Mr. Osborne

Let the hon. Member wait till next week.

Mr. Watkinson

This Question refers to rationing. I ought to make it quite plain that the present position, in the use of both Derv, although it is not on coupon rationing now, and petrol, is that users must restrict themselves to the very minimum requirement necessary to maintain services.

Mr. D. Jones

Although the London buses carry notices saying that as from 1st April the whole of the London Transport Executive's normal red bus services have been restored and that the arrangements for contract carriages have been restored, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that passengers still have to pay 3d. for a 2½d. ride?