RAILWAYS TOLD NOT TO
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COMPLAIN OF COMPETITION IF the railways devised ways of offer ing ro.z:vice as good as that afforded by James Smith and Co, (Wigan), Ltd_, it wou:d be much better than complaining of competition, said Mr. W. E. Macve, North Western Licensing Authority, in granting the company's application to increase the number of its touring coaches from 25 to 31.
Mr. H. Backhouse said that in 1939 the company was licensed to operate 12 vehicles on extended tours. Operation was suspended during the war, -but in 1946 the number of vehicles licensed was increased to 20, and this year was further raised to 25. The company now wished to increase its fleet to 31 vehicles, Mr. Frederick Webster, managing director, said that by the end of June, 17,130 passengers had booked tours, Next year the company planned to run tours to Spain, Italy and Germany, and would probably apply for an increase to 40 vehicles.
The Railway Executive, which, with Ribble Motor Services, Ltd.. Scout Motor Services, Ltd., and W. E. Standerwick. Ltd., objected, claimed that the proposed increase in fleet would create serious competition.
Mr. Macve replied that James Smith and Co. had offered " unique" facilities to the public and had shown great foresight and attention to detail.
OPERATORS STILL WAITING AFTER THREE YEARS?
AT a meeting of the council of Coventry Chamber of Commerce, Mr. T. 0. Morris alleged that commercial vehicles ordered three years ago had, in some cases, not yet been delivered, and that delivery dates could not even be ascertained. The council is to take up with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders the question of allocation of commercial vehicles to the home market_