§ Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Transport if he is now in a position to publish the report of the appeal under Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act, 1960, concerning the increase in bus fares in north-east Essex of between 30 and 40 per cent.; and what action he has taken.
Mr. Bob BrownMy right hon. Friend's decision on these appeals was issued on 11th February, together with the report of the independent inspector. Copies have been sent to the hon. Member. He agreed with the inspector's recommendation that the increases authorised by the Traffic Commissioners, which included some increases of the order referred to by the hon. Member, were not fully justified and that the position should be corrected when the bus undertakings next apply for an increase. I have no doubt that the commissioners will take account of this.