Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the cutting down of the transport services operating between Sunderland Boldon Colliery and the borough of Jarrow in the county of Durham by the Northern General Transport Company is causing hardship to large numbers of the travelling public; and will he take the necessary steps with a view to an early improvement?
§ Captain WallaceI am informed by the Regional Transport Commissioner that, while the petrol rationing has made it necessary for reductions to be made in this service, he has received no complaints from members of the public or from local authorities. He has, however, been furnished by the Northern General Omnibus Company, Limited, with a copy of their reply to representations made to them by the Boldon Urban District Council, from which it appears that a census of traffic on this service was taken during the 14 days from 9th to 22nd December. This census showed that out of a total of 572 single journeys passengers were unable to secure accommodation on 16 occasions. If, after consideration of the company's reply to their representations, the Boldon Urban District Council consider that some re-adjustment of the service should be made, it is open to them to approach the Commissioner in the matter.