HC Deb 10 March 1954 vol 524 cc155-6W
61. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why the recommendations made by the Central Transport Consultative Committee and referred to in paragraph 19 of their report to him of 12th January, 1954, were not accepted; and why they were refused permission to submit their views upon the question of the number of persons allowed to stand in public service vehicles.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Much as I value the advice of the consultative committees, I have to take my own decisions on matters of national policy after considering representations that I may receive from any quarter. The question of standing passengers concerned regulations of general application to be made by myself rather than services or facilities provided by the British Transport Commission, which constitute the main terms of reference of the consultative committees. However, I have told the chairman of the Central Committee that, leaving the questions of legal interpretation aside, I shall be glad to consult with them on such matters in future, and I think, on reflection, I could well have done it this time.

62. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what action he has taken on the recommendation of the Central Transport Consultative Committee that they should be consulted on schemes of reorganisation prepared by the British Transport Commission under the Transport Act, 1953.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

It is my intention to include the Central Transport Consultative Committee among the bodies whom I shall consult when I receive the scheme from the British Transport Commission.