HC Deb 15 November 1967 vol 754 cc412-3
13. Mr. Gardner

asked the Minister of Transport how many applications for fare increases have been made by the Barton's Bus Company since 1950; and what are the amounts which have been granted.

Mr. Swingler

Fifteen. I will, with permission, circulate particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Gardner

Do the Traffic Commissioners, in dealing with these applications, take into account expenditure on political propaganda? Is my hon. Friend aware that this company is telling its passengers that it proposes to eliminate their coach services? Is a licence to operate a public transport undertaking a licence to deceive the public?

Mr. Swingler

It is the duty of the Traffic Commissioners to take into account all factors relevant to the interests of the travelling public. My hon. Friend will realise that the Answer reveals the vicious spiral over the years of rising costs and falling traffic. That is the basic reason why my right hon. Friend is to set up passenger transport authorities.

Mr. Webster

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that these rises have been the consequence of wage increases incurred by the bus companies. They have been very closely scrutinised by the Traffic Commissioners, whose abolition would leave nothing to protect the ratepayer and the farepayer from inflation.

Mr. Swingler

One of the factors involved in these cases is the increase in labour costs of the bus companies. Another very important factor is falling traffic on the buses as a result of congestion or the failure to take the necessary traffic measures in relation to highway planning and other factors. These are the basic reasons for integrating passenger transport.

Following is the information:

BARTONS TRANSPORT LIMITED
FARES INCREASES GRANTED BY THE EAST MIDLAND
TRAFFIC COMMISSIONERS SINCE 1950
Date of Application Estimated yield of grant in a full year Grant expressed as percentage of gross revenue for preceding full year Effective date of grant
£
9. 1.51 77,500 9.89 29.4.51
16.11.51 57,500 7.11 10.4.52
13.11.52 30,000 3.39 22.3.53
9. 5.54 25,000 2.70 31.8.54
18. 1.55 45,000 4.76 24.4.55
8.12.55 45,000 4.98 14.2.56
29.11.56 54,000 5.01 24.2.57
31. 7.57 64,600 5.98 17.9.57
28. 4.59 22,000 1.99 21.6.59
12. 5.60 76,000 6.95 28.6.60
15. 5.61 17,000 6.19 2.7.61
17. 5.63 76,000 5.69 17.7.63
19. 5.65 *111,000 (1) 7.43 (1) 18.7.65
18. 1.66 *105,700 (2) 6.96(2) 24.4.66
27. 4.67 51,200 3.04 23.7.67
* The Traffic Commissioners granted these applications in part only.
Notes:
(1) Original application sought a yield of £127,000 (8.49 per cent.).
(2) Original application sought a yield of £122,000 (7.89 per cent.).