§ Major HALSTEADasked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, (1) if he will grant a Return of local authorities to which borrowing powers have been granted for the purchase of motor omnibuses since the 1st April, 1917, and showing whether such powers have been conferred by local Acts or Provisional Orders; whether a local inquiry was held before borrowing powers were granted; the amount of borrowing powers sanctioned; the number of years sanctioned for the redemption of loans under such borrowing powers; whether the motor omnibus services operated by local authorities constitute part of their tramways systems;
(2) if he will grant a Return showing the names of local authorities to which powers have been granted to operate motor omnibuses, distinguishing between those that have powers to operate such motor omnibuses within their own area and those that have powers to operate them both within and outside their own 2408W area; the date when such powers were granted; and whether such powers have been exercised?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYI have been asked to reply to the questions. The compilation of the Returns asked for would entail a considerable amount of work as the particulars are not in all cases readily available. I am, however, having tabulated such information as can be given, and will forward it to my hon. Friend as soon as practicable.