§ 118. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Transport what representations he has made to the Traffic Commissioners and licensing authorities that, when considering applications for new or additional bus and coach services, they should regard as an adverse factor the resultant increased consumption of imported fuel.
§ Mr. BarnesThe chairman of the licensing authority for public service vehicles, as regional transport commissioner, is responsible for the fuel rationing of public service vehicles and has been enjoined to secure reasonable economy. I have not given any general directions under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, to the licensing authorities on this subject. The Act requires them, when considering applications for road service licences, to have regard, among other matters, to the extent to which a proposed service is necessary or desirable in the public interest and the need for saving fuel is a factor which they can take into account. I am satisfied, however, that in accordance with the Act, they regard the need for the proposed 25W service as the main consideration. Fuel would not be withheld for a necessary service.