Flexibility in Tour Fares Allowed
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A N application by James Smith and rTh. Co. (Wigan), Ltd., to amend fares
on British and Continental tours from Southport, Wigan, Manchester, Liverpool, Blackburn, Preston and Blackpool, providing a range of inclusive charges from £3 to £30, was last week granted in principle by the North Western Traffic Commissioners.
Mr. F. Webster, managing director, said that elasticity in fares would obviate frequent applications caused by changes in hbtels and their charges. Smith's were also anxious about the large number of pseudoTrivate,parties in the early and late season. In some weeks 200 coaches left Lancashire carrying parties of this kind.
Mr. F. D. Walker, for Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., Scout Motor Services. Ltd., W. C. Standerwick, Ltd., and Yelloway Motor Services, Ltd., who objected, said the application had raised an important question of principle. They, did not object to the increases at the maximum end of the scale, but they were greatly concerned about the lower end because of the danger of_ undercutting.
Whilst Mr. Webster had givenan undertaking not to undercut, such elasticity could in theory lead to abuse.
Mr. F. Williamson, chairman of the Commissioners, said that a clause would he drafted to preclude the possibility of different fares being charged to passengers in the same coach on a Continental tour. A similar condition would apply to British tours. It would refer not only to passengers in the same coach, but on the same tour if more than one coach left on the same day.
CLE. TO TAKE OVER?
TALKS are now taking place for the
transfer to Coras lompair Eireann of the Great Northern Railway's road passenger and road freight services south of the border. These services are under the control of the Eire Minister for Industry and Commerce, and there is nothing in the agreement between the Eire and Northern Ireland Governments to prevent their transfer to C.I.E.
Further discussions are expected to take place soon regarding the position that will arise when the three Great Northern secondary lines in Northern Ireland close' down on September 30. It is regarded as almost inevitable that the sections of these lines in the republic will also have to close.
In that event, arrangements to replace the railways by road transport on both sides of the border, and the operation of cross-border road services, will have to be worked out. The Ulster Transport Authority will provide the road services in Northern Ireland,
MECHANICS' PAY RAISED
A'from this week, the minimum wages of skilled mechanics in garage repair shops and filling stations will bc increased by 3d. an hour. Semiskilled men will receive another 2÷cl. and other men 2-1c1.