§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport is he aware that the Mexborough Urban District Council, Swinton Urban District Council, and Rawmarsh Urban District Council were requested by his Department to submit any objections against the continuation of present charges by the Mexborough and Swinton Tramways Company; that, although each council submitted objections and were expecting some sort of an inquiry to deal with them, his Department granted an Order continuing present charges until the 31st March, 1924, without further consulting the said councils; and, in view of the general dissatisfaction in these districts, will he have the question of fares and stages reconsidered?
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§ Colonel ASHLEYIn accordance with the provisions of the Tramways (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1920, the application of the Mexborough and Swinton Tramways Company, together with the objections received from the councils named by the hon. Member, was referred to the Advisory Committee appointed under the Act. The Committee, after full consideration, recommended that the application for continuance of their existing charges should be granted. The Committee stated that they did not consider it necessary to hold a public inquiry. The Minister accepted the recommendation of the Committee, and an Order was issued accordingly which will have effect until 31st March, 1924, unless previously revoked. I would remind the hon. Member that the Act provides for reconsideration of the charging powers if there is any change of circumstances that enables a local authority in such a case to make representations with a view to a revision of the charging powers.