HC Deb 16 December 1946 vol 431 cc317-8W
94. Mr. Jennings

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the delay and congestion caused to passengers on the tramcars and omnibuses in Sheffield; and if he will take action to enable the authority to obtain spare parts needed before additional vehicles can be put into service.

Mr. Barnes

There is no control over the sale and distribution of spare parts for omnibuses and tramcars. I will, however, have inquiries made and see what I can do to help in this case, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.

97. Mr. McKinlay

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the observations of the regional transport commissioner at Dundee, on 6th December, on an application by Alex Bickerton for permission to run motor-omnibus tours from Killin, which were offensive to the city of Glasgow; and if he will issue directions to commissioners to perform the duties for which they are employed without such comments.

Mr. Barnes

I am assured that the Commissioner's remarks were not intended in any offensive sense and I do not think that any action on my part is called for.

103. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider running an additional train from Manchester to Macclesfield, Congleton and Stoke, between 6.05 p.m. and 7.05 p.m.

Mr. Barnes

The possibility of running this additional train has been considered, but in view of the difficulties experienced by the railway companies in maintaining existing services its introduction would not be justified at present.

106. Mr. Dye

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to meet the needs of those owners of omnibuses whose vehicles were requisitioned during the war and who are now urgently needing them to continue their services in rural areas such as Norfolk.

Mr. Barnes

I understand that it is the practice of the Ministry of Supply, when requisitioned coaches become available for disposal, to offer them first to the operators from whom they were requisitioned, if such operators can be identified. Vehicles not re-acquired under that arrangement are offered by the Ministry of Supply for sale by auction. I no longer have any control over the acquisition of new vehicles.