§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will relax the licensing regulations for bus services so that independent bus operators can fill the gap resulting from axed services on London Transport routes.
§ Mr. HoramNo relaxation is needed. It is already open to anyone who wants to operate a bus service to apply to the Traffic Commissioners for a road service licence, and for a public service vehicle licence if the vehicle he wishes to use does not already have one. The Commissioners consider each application on its merits, in the light of the general criteria laid down in the Road Traffic Act 1960. If an applicant is aggrieved by their decision he has a right of appeal to the Secretary of State.