asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the large number of road accidents occurring to licensed chars-a-banc and motor omnibuses, especially in rural areas, are caused through faulty or worn-out mechanism; and, in view of the Report of the Departmental Committee of the Ministry, will he consider introducing immediate legislation to give all local authorities power to inspect these vehicles in their areas?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the answer which I gave on the 23rd June to the hon. Member for North Tottenham, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the recent speech which he delivered at Bolton has given the impression that the Government intend to introduce proposals almost immediately?

I hope I did not give that impression. I hope I gave the impression that the Government would introduce a Bill as soon as public business enabled them to do so. The hon. Member knows the congested state of public business.