§ Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a letter from the Association of London Omnibus Proprietors, Limited, dated 24th March, 1926, in connection with an equitable reduction of omnibuses in fair proportion to the respective number of licences held by the independent proprietors and the combine respectively; if so, what reply has been sent; and what steps he proposes to take in this matter?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe basis of the reductions to be made in the number of omnibuses belonging to the London General Omnibus Company and its associated companies and to the "independent"proprietors respectively, and the reasons for the adoption of this basis, are clearly set out in the Report of the London Traffic Advisory Committee which has been published, and a copy of which has been supplied to my hon. Friend.
§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Minister of Transport the estimated number of drivers, conductors and persons engaged in cleaning processes respectively who will be thrown out of employment by the proposed restriction and cutting down of the omnibus services?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAs regards the London General Omnibus Company and its associated companies, I have been informed that no employés will be thrown out of employment as the result of the limitation of omnibus journeys upon certain routes, as the men who would other- 2073W wise have been displaced will be absorbed in connection with extended services to be operated during the summer months, or on new services which are under consideration. I am hopeful that the employés of the independent proprietors will be absorbed in like manner.