§ Colonel CLIFTON BROWNasked the Minister of Transport if he will ask the traffic commissioners to review the transport facilities of the village of Otterburn, Northumberland, in view of the fact that there is no railway within seven miles, and that the compulsory reduction of omnibus services makes it more difficult for Otterburn people to get into Newcastle?
§ Mr. PYBUSAs I have already informed my hon. and gallant Friend in answer to previous questions, the licensing of road passenger services is a matter for the traffic commissioners set up under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, and I have no jurisdiction in regard to any particular case except an appeal being made to me under the provisions of Section 81 of the Act. So far as I am aware, no appeal has been lodged up to the present in respect of services between Otterburn and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. I have caused inquiries to be made, however, and am informed that even the reduced winter service proposed by the commissioners will allow for four services in each direction on the direct route between Otterburn and Newcastle on ordinary week-days and an extra service on Saturdays. In summer the service is to be substantially increased.