APPENDIX A
DRAFT LETTER TO THE CHAIRMAN
OF THE TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL
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361
The Minister having received an Application from the British Transport Commission to authorise the Commission, with a view to ensuring a sufficient Revenue to the Commission, to make, in respect of certain of the services and facilities provided by them, charges estimated to produce additional gross revenue of £28 millions a year, additional to those in operation under the statutory provisions regul- ating the same, desires to consult with and receive the advice of the permanent members of the Transport Tribunal to assist him in determining whether regulations to give effect to the Commission's proposals, and if so to what extent, ought in the circumstances to be made under the provisions of Section 82(1) of the Transport Act, 1947. The Minister is in agreement with the Commission that additional revenue of this order is necessary.
A copy of the British Transport Commission's application is enclosed. The Minister regards the matter as one of extreme urgency calling for the bringing into force of any regulations (particularly those relating to railway charges) which it may be expedient to make at the earliest possible date.
The Commission do not propose any increase in passenger fares and the Minister is in agreement with their views on this point.
The Minister will be glad if the Committee will consider the British Transport Commission's application and appoint a day to hear the appropriate officers of the Commission.
Having regard to the interests affected by the British Transport Commission's application, the Committee will no doubt think it desirable to invite the attendance of such representative bodies of traders and shipping as they think fit and take their views into consideration.
I am to add that the Minister does not desire the Committee's report on the proposed increases in railway charges to be delayed pending any investigation of those relating to dock charges if the Committee find that they can report earlier by dealing with the two matters separately.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
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