§ 6. Mr. Remnantasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent it is his policy to approve fare increases where the undertaking already anticipates a profit.
§ The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Harold Watkinson)Fare increases do not come to me for approval except when there is an appeal from the Traffic Commissioners' decision on bus 931 fares outside London. In such cases I do not approve increases which will enable the undertaking to earn more than will serve to maintain its efficiency and give a reasonable return on its capital.
§ Mr. RemnantDoes my right hon. Friend mean by that Answer that if a company has had fares approved by the Traffic Commissioners when it is already anticipating a profit, and there is an appeal, he will negative the decision of the Traffic Commissioners to increase the fares?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI certainly should not like to commit myself to that. All these cases have to be judged on their merits. If my hon. Friend has a case in mind, I should be pleased to look at it.