HC Deb 24 March 1965 vol 709 cc93-4W
74. Mr. Bagier

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the policy of Sunderland Corporation is to provide cheap public transport in order to encourage the full use of its transport facilities and to discourage the excessive use of private means of transport in the town; in view of the fact that this policy was recommended in the Buchanan Report, to what extent Her Majesty's Government have adopted this policy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tom Fraser

The fares charged on municipal transport are determined by the local authorities concerned, subject to the statutory approval of the Traffic Commissioners. I do not intervene in these matters except on a formal appeal. The decision to relieve bus stage carriage services of the additional fuel tax announced in the Budget Statement by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 11th November is evidence of the policy of Her Majesty's Government to encourage the public transport services.

75. Mr. Bagier

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to the Traffic Commissioners that, when the Commissioners are giving their decision in regard to applications by county boroughs for increases in fares of their bus undertakings, the Commissioners should refrain from references to the financial policy of the authorities on whose applications they are giving a decision.

Mr. Tom Fraser

No.