HC Deb 10 February 1966 vol 724 c602
29. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will refer the proposed increase of rural bus fares to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. George Brown

I would refer the hon. Member to the Written Reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Mr. Kelley) on 2nd November.

Mr. Ridsdale

As this is, again, a direct result of Government action, will the right hon. Gentleman persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer to remove this iniquitous tax which is falling on those least able to bear it and causing great hardship in country areas?

Mr. Brown

I do not think that this is the season of the year when the Chancellor of the Exchequer would welcome comments on taxation from me. The reason for not taking the action suggested is that we believe that the statutory procedures under the Road Traffic Acts adequately safeguard the national interest.