asked the Minister of Transport what is causing the delay in the decision of the Traffic Commissioner to the application of the Pontypridd and Rhondda Hospital Committee for permission to run a through bus service from the Rhondda to East Glamorgan Hospital, for staff employed at that hospital.

My right hon. Friend is told by the South Wales Traffic Commissioners that Humphreys Garages (Pontypridd) Ltd's application to run this service will be heard at a public sitting on 27th May. The application, made in January, is opposed by other bus operators. The hearing which began on 18th February could not be completed on that day. Because of the Commissioners' other commitments it was not possible to give an earlier date for the further hearing.