§ 82. Mr. Dempseyasked the Minister of Transport in view of the public concern over the recent increases in bus fares, if she will refer all new applications by bus companies for increases to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. SwinglerNo. Bus fares are controlled by the independent Traffic Commissioners. Local authorities have rights of appeal to my right hon. Friend if they are not satisfied with the Commissioners' decisions. She and my right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State consider that these existing statutory procedures ensure that the national interest is taken into account and that references to the National Board for Prices and Incomes at this stage would not be appropriate.