§ 7. Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list his powers relating to the extension of the present practices of single manning of buses and trains, reduced manning of stations and other manpower economies by the London Transport Board.
§ Mr. RidleyDecisions about manning levels are quite properly for the management concerned. It is its responsibility to meet any safety requirements and obtain any approvals that the Acts governing its operations may specify.
§ Mr. SpearingI thank the Secretary of State for that reply. Does he know that the Minister of State, Department of Transport claimed in a broadcast on Radio London that the London Regional Transport Bill was necessary to further single manning? Is he aware that the Greater London council, under Sir Horace Cutler, came to an agreement with London Transport on that issue, which is to be implemented? Why is he saying that the Bill needs to be introduced for a reason that it is not necessary to argue?
§ Mr. RidleyLondon Transport's studies have shown that the assault rate per mile on buses with conductors is 4.3 times higher than on one-person operated buses. If that is the view of the management, we should let it get on with implementing its policy and not interfere with its decisions, as the GLC is trying to do.