HC Deb 06 April 1977 vol 929 c1206
12. Mr. Gow

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has for abolishing the bus licensing responsibilities of the traffic commissioners.

Mr. Horam

None at present, Sir. This is a matter that we are considering in our review of transport policy.

Mr. Gow

Will the hon. Gentleman take this opportunity to pay tribute to the founder and members of the Society for the Preservation of Old Buildings in London, which is running a commuter bus service from Brighton to London and saving its 52 members £8 per week on the rail fare? Will he pay tribute to the free enterprise, ingenuity and excellence of the founder and members of this society?

Mr. Horam

A great deal of effort went into that initiative, but it produced only one journey to London—and not even a return journey. If the hon. Gentleman is serious about trying to solve the problems that we all know exists he should make a much more considered contribution. It is too easy to be primitive about these matters.