§ Sir P. DAWSONasked the Minister of Transport if he can give the restrictions which have been imposed by the commissioner for the Greater London area under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, on the passenger transport service connecting London with the following centres: Epping, Waltham Cross, Waltham Abbey, Hertford, Ongar, Bishops Stortford, Dagenham, and Southend with regard, respectively, to cancellation of services and/or reduction of the number of services or schedule speed, and increase in fares; what appeals have been made by the transport companies concerned; and what the results of such appeals have been?
§ Mr. PYBUSThe preparation of such a special statement would involve considerable labour and would impede the commissioner in carrying out his duties. If, however, my hon. Friend desires information in respect of any particular service, I will do what I can to supply it.
§ Mr. CROOM-JOHNSONasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Western Traffic Commissioners in refusing licences to motor coach proprietors who have run express coaches from London and other populous centres to seaside resorts in the West of England; and whether, in view of the importance of assisting such resorts in every possible way during the prevailing economic difficulties, he will issue a circular inviting the commissioners, in arriving at their decisions in future, to give consideration to the desirability of encouraging holidaymakers to visit seaside resorts in England during the coming holiday season by every means in their power?
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§ Mr. PYBUSI have received representations from certain local authorities on this matter. Section 72 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, specifically requires the commissioners, when dealing with applications for road service licences, to have regard, among other matters, to the extent to which the proposed services are necessary or desirable in the public interest. I, therefore, do not think it is necessary for me to issue general direction on this point.