HC Deb 09 December 1946 vol 431 cc159-60W
6. Mr. Proctor

asked the Minister of Transport if he will arrange for a motor-omnibus service which can be used by civilian passengers to connect the Manchester railway stations.

Mr. Barnes

Since 18th November an omnibus service has been diverted to provide frequent connections between London Road, Victoria and Exchange Stations, in addition to two other frequent services linking those stations and Central Station.

8. Mr. Hogg

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he proposes to take to improve the Oxford omnibus service, about which numerous complaints have been made.

Mr. Barnes

Efforts are being made to overcome difficulties arising from shortage of staff and lack of accommodation for new recruits. The services have also been affected adversely by the recent dispute between the omnibus company and its employees, but I am now informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that the employees have agreed to resume normal working, thus enabling the constitutional joint machinery of the industry to operate.

23. Dr. Segal

asked the Minister of Transport how many omnibuses are operated by the City of Oxford Bus Company on country services beyond a five miles radius from the centre of the city; and how many on the city services within this radius.

Mr. Barnes

The average number operated in the city area within a radius of 3½ miles is about 40 and on country services 105. In addition, 42 buses are employed on workmen's services to Cowley.

24. Dr. Segal

asked the Minister of Transport what profits have been made by the City of Oxford Bus Company during each of the last three years.

Mr. Barnes

As the accounts of the City of Oxford Motor Services Limited are not submitted to my Department, I am not in a position to give the information required.

Mr. D. J. Williams

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that there is dissatisfaction in West Wales with the present road transport passenger facilities; and if he will now restore regular sittings of the Traffic Commissioners to enable local authorities and others to make representations on this matter.

Mr. Barnes

During the past three months the Area Traffic Commissioners have held three public sittings at Carmarthen and one at Swansea and sittings already arranged for the near future include one at Carmarthen and one at Swansea. Local authorities are free to make representations and are informed of all applications for road service licences and of the arrangements made for public sittings.