Mr. Woodasked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the recent numerous complaints of the inadequacy of omnibus services along various routes in the country; and whether he will consider arranging for a general investigation into the work of the Traffic Commissioners in this connection?
1903W
§ Mr. BurginI am not aware that there have been numerous complaints regarding the inadequacy of country omnibus services, but it is a healthy sign of democracy that there should be criticism of undertakings working under statutory licences. The Traffic Commissioners are directed by the Road Traffic Act, 1930, to take into consideration representations duly made by local authorities, and they of course do so. The last published reports of the Traffic Commissioners show marked differences in the activity displayed by local authorities, and I may add that during the last year no local authority has appealed to me under Section 81 of the Act of 1930. I see no reason for making a special investigation into the work of the Traffic Commissioners in this connection.