Til:siness which does not exist. This was the opinion of
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Mr. F. E. too many coach operators in Shropshire scrambling for RE are
Walker, appearing for Ribble Motor Services Ltd. and Associated Motorways, who objected to a group of summer holiday express applications by H. Brown and Sons, of Donnhigton, at Birmingham last week.
Brown was seeking to transfer a number of period excursions to seaside resorts during the peak summer holiday period to express operation. This was being done following an intimation from the West Midland Traffic Commissioners who feel the public should have a guarantee that such services will be operated.
The Commissioners granted a two-year express licence to Brown to operate to Southsea, Margate, Bournemouth and Weymouth on July 22 and 29, returning seven or 14 days later, with a vehicle allowance of one.
Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co. Ltd. and Wrekin Coach Services Ltd. also objected and there was a representation from Salopia Saloon Coaches Ltd.
Dealing with the Southsea destination, Mr. Walker said: "There are evidently operators in Shropshire who believe in fairies, goblins and Government White Papers. The county is overlicensed for this type of specialist holiday facility and they are creating and catering for a demand that is not really there".
He submitted that no case had been made out for Southsea at all, although if Mr. Brown wanted to operate a lightly loaded coach on one Saturday uneconomically, his clients would not stand in the way. Mr. Walker pointed out that if Southsea was refused, it would not mean that the public would be unable to travel. They could do so on his clients' daily express service, even if it was less convenient.
Mr. B. Parkes, for Salopia, claimed that Mr. Brown's advertising in connection with accommodation for the excursions was "suspect". It could result in abstraction of passengers from Salopia's inclusive extended tours.
Mr. D. E. Skelding, for Brown, stated that no attempt had been made by his client to provide inclusive holidays, but it was the duty of any coach operator to help passengers with their enquiries about accommodation.
Wrekin Coach Services applied for renewal of a similar express service from Oakengates on the same dates and a licence for two years was granted. Chairman of the Commissioners, Mr. J. Else, expressed doubt whether either of these services was needed.
Wrekin was granted renewal of express licences to run on the last two Saturdays in July to 10 other resorts plus a service to Torquay and Paignton on July 22, 29 and August 5. Mr. Else indicated that the Commissioners would consider favourably a new application to combine services to Weston-super-Mare, Minehead, Lynton, Lynmouth and Ilfracombe on August 5. The licences were conditioned to protect Salopia and available for this season and next only.