§ 33. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the average number of miles travelled per hour by London Transport omnibuses on 1st November, 1956 and 1st January, 1957, respectively, or on the nearest convenient dates thereto.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI regret that this information is not available. The British Transport Commission tells me, however, that since there have been restrictions on petrol London Transport buses have been able to maintain their scheduled times.
§ Mr. CollinsIs the Minister aware that Sir John Elliott also stated that present conditions in London constitute a busman's dream, with savings in journeys through the West End and the City of from eight to eighteen minutes and with many more passengers on fewer buses? In view of the immense savings which must have been realised as a result, will he not therefore cancel the fares increases, which were imposed only because of the increased cost of petrol?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThat was not the point which Sir John Elliott made. The point which he made was that if there were far fewer private cars, bus operators would have a happier time. I have no doubt that he is right.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesIn view of this great improvement, which is welcomed by all bus passengers, will not the Minister see whether some of the conditions which now prevail cannot be made permanent in order that we can enjoy these better conditions?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI quite agree—but not by placing some kind of ban on private cars entering London.