HC Deb 29 January 1948 vol 446 cc200-1W
151. Major Lloyd

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the recent indignation expressed in all parts of the country at the continued use of large fleets of motor coaches to convey spectators over distances of sometimes 250 miles to view football matches, he will now make a statement on the use of such transport for this purpose in the future.

Mr. Barnes

This matter is at present engaging my attention and I hope to make an early statement

Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Transport how many motor coaches were licensed to carry F.A. Cup spectators from Reading to Birmingham on 10th January; what amount of petrol was used; and whether any limit was set to the number of coaches licensed for this journey.

Mr. Barnes

Six coaches were operated under licence for public excursions, consuming 114 gallons of petrol. Seventy-one coaches, consuming 1,147 gallons of petrol and 175 of diesel oil, were used by private parties, who are free to hire coaches if they are available without interfering with essential services.

Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Transport what are the regulations that affect road public service passenger vehicles from being hired by parties, or individuals, to undertake long journeys, for the purpose of attending football matches at a distance of over fifty miles; and to what extent the prohibition of proprietors of such vehicles advertising such excursions is proving effective in reducing the quantities of petrol used for such purposes.

Mr. Barnes

The answer to the first part of the Question is: "Section 25 of the Road Traffic Act 1934, and Section 72 of the Road Traffic Act 1930." As regards the second part of the Question, it is not practicable to measure the reduction in petrol used resulting from the prohibition on advertising private party excursions.