HC Deb 29 March 1961 vol 637 cc1316-7
46. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Transport what progress he has made in his study of London Transport omnibus services; and what action he has taken to improve conditions and minimise overcrowding

Mr. Marples

As I promised in my reply of 1st March to the hon. Member for Islington, East (Mr. Fletcher), I have continued to watch the situation carefully. There are now nearly 1,400 more men on the buses than at the end of October. The traffic improvement schemes which are being carried out will help buses as well as other vehicles. Also, I have asked the chairman of the London Travel Committee what more can be done to increase staggering of hours, which could bring about a very useful relief at the rush hours for passengers and London Transport alike.

Mr. Sorensen

I appreciate that there has been some improvement, but is there any kind of permanent or regular liaison between his Department and the London Transport Executive? Does he receive reports regularly, and does he have consultation particularly on matters affecting the Central Line serving my constituency and places farther afield?

Mr. Marples

Yes, Sir. Reports are received regularly by myself—I read them about every fortnight—from London Transport, and we consult the Executive regularly, too. I am glad to say that in the centre of London the buses have speeded up at certain points recently.

Mr. Mellish

Is the Minister aware that what he has just said does not accord with the view of the busmen themselves, who recently presented a petition from 180,000 people of London asking for a public inquiry? If he has a good case, why does he worry about a public inquiry?

Mr. Marples

When the busmen presented their petition, conditions were different. They are very much better now.

Mr. Fletcher

Does not the Minister realise that conditions for the travelling public today are most unsatisfactory? Does not he think that it would produce good results if there were an independent inquiry into the whole matter of bus services in London?

Mr. Marples

No, I do not think so. There was an exhaustive inquiry by the Chambers Committee as recently as 1955.

Forward to