§ Mr. HIGHAMasked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the fact that the London General Omnibus Company intend to charge the same fares to passengers on lorries that they now charge to passengers in the omnibuses; whether the Govern- 1713W ment agreed to this when they arranged the delivery of lorries to the omnibus company; and, if so, will he explain the reasons for so doing?
§ Mr. SHORTTI understand from the Board of Trade that the answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The third part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.
§ Mr. HIGHAMasked the Home Secretary why the arrangement to put lorries on the streets for passenger traffic was not made with the London County Council as well as with the London General Omnibus Company; and what are the reasons that justify the exclusive arrangements with the omnibus company?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI have been asked to reply. The London County Council were represented at the meeting at which arrangements were made to place specially fitted lorries on the streets for the use of the public. I understand that they have no men in their service qualified to drive such vehicles, but if they desire to run lorries and have men qualified to drive them I shall be happy to do anything I can to assist them in the matter. I have already promised the representative of the London County Council every assistance in their efforts to cope with the traffic problem which it is in the power of the Board of Trade to give.