asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that great dissatisfaction has been caused among members of the public wishing to use road-coach services during the holiday season by the narrow limits allowed by the Traffic Commissioners on the duplication of vehicles at holiday times on coach services between the principal centres of population; whether those limits are imposed following the decision by him on the recent appeal by the railway companies against duplication allowed by the Traffic Commissioners; and whether, in order to satisfy the reasonable requirements of the public, he will be prepared to reconsider his decision on this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the second and third parts that the commissioners in the first instance and myself on appeal are required to have regard among other matters to the extent to which the proposed service is necessary or desirable in the public interest.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at this time of year many railway trains are over-cvrowded, and, at the same time, as a result of his decision, many people who wish to travel by motor coach are unable to do so?

Those are matters for the commissioners. I think my hon. Friend makes too sweeping a generalisation, and it is one which I could not argue with him in reply to a question.