HC Deb 20 October 1952 vol 505 c57W
62. Mr. Holt

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on his decision to uphold the findings of the licensing authority in the case of the recent applications for unrestricted coach services on the Manchester—London route.

64. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Minister of Transport on what grounds he dismissed the appeal of the North-West Road Car Company against the decision of the licensing authority not to remove the restrictions on motor coach services between Manchester and London.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

In October, 1951, the licensing authority for the northwestern area refused applications by the companies concerned for unlimited duplication on their services between Manchester and London. The companies appealed to me under Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930. I upheld the licensing authority's decision. The restrictions on duplication which have been continued as a result of these decisions, have existed since 1933, and are in accordance with long-established principles applied to long distance road services competing with backbone railway services.