London Bus Debate
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TI-1E deterioration of commuter train and bus services in London was attacked by the Conservative Front Bench in a debate in Parliament last night (Thursday). Led by the Shadow Ministers of Transport and Labour, Mr. Enoch Powell and Mr. Ernest Godber, the Conscrvazives criticized the mounting cost, frustration, delay and discomfort involved in travelling to work in the capital.
The Government had to spend much time during the week in carefully preparing its reply, due to the unfavourable effects of the Southern Region go-slow. Mr. Ray Gunter (Labour Minister) had several private talks with the Prime Minister in preparation for the challenge, which he met with the assistance of the Transport Minister, Mr. Tom Fraser, Earlier in the week, the Leader of the House, Mr. Herbert Bowden, said that he did not expect any opportunity of debating such a motion.
A debate had been asked for by Mr. Anthony Royle (Tory, Richmond), a supporter of the motion, tabled by Mr. Dudley Smith (Tory, Brentford and Chiswick). This urges the Minister of Transport "in view of past promises for more efficient working made by management and staff which have not been fulfilled" to examine the planning and administration of the bus services as part of his announced inquiry into London Transport's financial structure.