94. Mr. Robertsonasked the Minister of Transport if he will authorise the re-introduction of the omnibus service at Abbey St. Bathans, Berwickshire, which was suspended on 8th April, 1950.
§ Mr. BarnesThe withdrawal of a service to Abbey St. Bathans was part of an adjustment of services in the district and was authorised by the licensing authority for public service vehicles for the Scottish Traffic Area. I have no jurisdiction in these matters unless an appeal is made to me under Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930.
95. Mr. Robertsonasked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take to improve travelling facilities in the rural areas of Scotland.
§ Mr. BarnesThe Transport Act, 1947, lays on the British Transport Commission 113W a general duty to see that adequate and efficient transport facilities are provided throughout the country. Subject to the general jurisdiction of the licensing authority for public service vehicles, the responsibility for improving bus services where this is desirable and practicable rests with the operators, of whom the most important in Scotland are now controlled by the British Transport Commission.