Why Thesiger Report Has Been Delayed
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THE Minister of Transport was not being pessimistic when he said in the House of Commons that the Thesiger Committee's report would not be available until the autumn. It is, indeed, unlikely to be published before November.
The committee's work, which has already extended over a year, has been far more difficult than was expected. For one thing, they had no precedent on which to rely in making their investigations. Representations have been received from a wide variety of organizations, including even an association of theatrical managers.
Some bodies have been dilatory in their approach to the committee and observations on the public service vehicle licensing system were being received as late as two or three weeks ago. Proceedings have been protracted by the great volume of oral evidence which has had to be taken in support of written representations.
The committee have also been hampered by the serious illness of Mr. E. S. Foster, the secretary, and by the sudden removal to hospital of Mr. R. F. Lyne, a member. Mr. Foster is making good progress, but he is unlikely to return to duty for several weeks.
Moreover, all the members are heavily committed with their own professional pursuits in various parts of the country and it has been difficult to arrange meetings convenient to all of them.
The committee are continuing to hold meetings and it is believed that they will do so until October. At the moment, holidays are interfering with the progress of the inquiry. .
NEW TAX REPRESENTATIONS IT is .proposed by Exeter Transport 'Committee that the attention of the Chancellor of-the Exchequer be drawn to the "very heavy burden" of fuel tax borne by municipal passenger transport undertakings.
P.T.A. CONFERENCE DATE MEXT year's conference of the Public
Transport Association will be held in Blackpool from May 18-20.