§ 38. Mr. A. Robertsasked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation to enable the British Transport Commission to run express coaches on motorways as they are developed between provincial towns and London.
§ Mr. MarplesNo, Sir. Bus companies controlled by the British Transport Commission are as free as other bus companies to apply to the Traffic Commissioners for licences to run express coach services on motorways.
§ Mr. RobertsIs the Minister really interested in the running of super-coaches on the motorways as they are developed? He will appreciate, I am sure, that if these super-coaohes run and can provide meals as in an airliner that 414 would have an adverse effect on the number of passengers carried on railway main lines?
§ Mr. MarplesYes, but the question asks whether bus companies controlled by the British Transport Commission can apply. They can apply if they wish and are just as free as any other bus company to compete for this traffic.