asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the recent increase in fares, he will advise the L.P.T.B. to increase their advertisement charges; and whether, by so increasing the income of the Board, it would be possible to revert to the level of fares existing before the war.

The London Passenger Transport Board's advertisement rates have been increased in recent months, and the Board is of the opinion that a further increase would not add substantially, if at all, to its revenue.

Is it not a fact that the income of the London Passenger Trans. port Board from advertisements is about £1 million a year? Further, would not firms be willing nowadays to pay increased advertisement charges, and would not such an increase relieve the harassed Londoners from paying increased fares?

I am not prepared to advise any administration to increase its prices to its customers if it considers this is unnecessary.

Is it not a fact that one of the reasons for the increased running costs of the London Passenger Transport Board is the "closed shop"?

Is it riot a fact that the advertisement rates are already very high and have driven off London theatre advertisements?

No, Sir, that is a different point. That was an adjustment in the prevailing rates.