Miss LEEasked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the raising of motor omnibus fares in various parts of the country as a result of the monopoly position of certain companies; that, for example, an increase of 25 per cent. has taken place on the cost of monthly season omnibus tickets between Shepps and Glasgow; and whether he will establish machinery for controlling the rates of fares on motor omnibuses?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONThe Road Traffic Bill now before Parliament contains provisions which would empower the Traffic Commissioners, whom it is proposed to set up under Clause 56 of the Bill, to fix minimum or maximum fares in respect of omnibus services on representations being made to them that such a course is necessary or desirable in the public interest. At present, generally speaking, I have no power to control fares.