£10,000 loss likely, say objectors to Wallace Arnold tours applications
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DESPITE an advertising campaign costing many thousands of pounds, and including 150,000 brochures, covering a better choice of Continental tours, the response had not been up to expectations, the financial result for this season was not encouraging and the loss of some £10,000 was anticipated. This was stated by the managing director of Smiths Tours (Wigan) Ltd., Mr. W. Blundell, giving evidence as an objector to applications by Wallace Arnold Tours Ltd. which were resumed before the North Western Traffic Commissioners in Manchester on Monday.
Mr. Blundell said the inclusive tour prices for 1967 had been reduced but with 19 vehicles authorized for Continental operations the maximum vehicle allowance was not being used. It would be disastrous if these applications succeeded.
Smiths were also applying for additional picking-up points in the North West and during cross-examination by Mr. F. Marshall, for Wallace Arnold, Mr. Blundell said that despite the season's loss a wider range of tours would be given next year.
Wallace Arnold is seeking new excursions and tours licences originating at Preston, with a feeder service from Liverpool, to run to Southend airport, Dover and Southampton carrying inclusive Continental tours passengers (COMMERCIAL MOTOR April 21 and 28, and July 14).
Objecting for North Western Road Car Co. Ltd., Mr. H. Southern said the considerable reduction in his company's ManchesterLondon traffic was due to the introduction of the electrified rail service, and application had been made to make their own express services more flexible. Mrs. J. M. Pollard, Sandown Tours (Burnley) Ltd., feared that Wallace Arnold might wish to resume offering Continental camping holidays in which her company specialized, but Mr. Marshall indicated that his client was not interested in this in the foreseeable future.
Mr. A. Bolton, general manager of Batty Holt Touring Services Ltd., said the Wallace Arnold price range would be very competitive and his company was already feeling the effect of package-type air tours.
Other evidence in objection to the Wallace Arnold applications was given by Lancashire United Transport, Happiways Tours (Manchester), and Florence Motors.
The hearing was adjourned.
16 VARIATIONS REFUSED
HAVING CONSIDERED 25 applications by Pleasureways (1955) Ltd. for variations of a number of road service licences it holds in respect of excursions and tours, the North Western Traffic Commissioners this week issued a written decision. Sixteen of the applications were refused.