§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what complaints have been received by the traffic commissioners in respect of the operations of the Stagecoach bus company or any of its subsidiaries; what routes or services have been the subject of such complaints; what action has been taken by the traffic commissioners as a result of such complaints; what has been the outcome of each action taken; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisTraffic commissioners receive a wide variety of complaints about bus operations, including those relating to the Stagecoach bus company and its subsidiaries. Most are of a minor nature. Where the complaints relate to matters within the jurisdiction of the traffic commissioner they are investigated; the companies are notified and steps taken to rectify any deficiencies. Complaints about matters not within the traffic commissioners' jurisdiction are passed on to the appropriate authority to deal with.
More serious complaints involving potential disciplinary action are normally dealt with at a public inquiry. In July 1993 a public inquiry was held into allegations made by Orion Transport Ltd. of intentional interference into their operations by Fife Scottish Omnibuses, a Stagecoach subsidiary. At the inquiry, Fife Scottish Omnibuses Ltd. was given a warning about its future conduct; Orion Transport Ltd. was banned from operating local services. A further public inquiry has been 199W set for February 1995 to look into complaints about the activities of Western Scottish Buses Ltd., a Stagecoach subsidiary.