asked the Minister of Transport whether he has reconsidered the existing restrictions imposed by him under statutory powers on the number of passengers who may be permitted to stand in public transport vehicles in the light of the greatly increased public use of these vehicles occasioned by the withdrawal of the basic petrol ration; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3rd November to the hon. Member for Holland with Boston (Mr. Butcher).

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the answer merely said that he was considering the matter? How much longer is that consideration likely to last?

Until we see what effect the abolition of the basic ration will have—[HON. MEMBERS:"Oh."]—when it is combined with the saving in public transport resulting from the staggering of hours.

If the Parliamentary Secretary wants to see the effect of the abolition of the basic ration, will he for once leave his official car and look at any bus queue?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that already in the rural areas public omnibuses are running through villages without stopping at all, because they are already full when they reach them on the way to the market towns? Will he not make a hasty decision?

There really is not sufficient evidence to show that the situation has deteriorated. Public transport in this country has not been adequate since the end of the war. That is something, I am glad to say, we are rapidly remedying. More public service vehicles have been made available during the last 12 months than in any previous 12 months in history.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that in the rural areas the abolition of the basic petrol ration makes the difficulties of public transport a thousand times worse?

I understand from the Minister of Fuel and Power that these applications are being considered very sympathetically where the shortage of public transport is concerned.

Where the service is inadequate will the hon. Gentleman consider allowing an increase in the number of standing passengers?

We have also to keep in mind the effect on the bus conductors, who are having to do a very difficult job.