LIBERAL Party and United Democrats legislators yesterday accused each other of using a debate on bus fares to promote election prospects.
Following a sometimes bitter 21/2-hour debate, the United Democrats won narrow support for a motion to force bus companies to keep fare rises below the inflation rate.
Legco President John Swaine cast his vote in favour after a 25-25 tie was recorded when the Liberal Party tried to amend the United Democrats' motion.
The motion, which urged the Government to keep fare increases by the Kowloon Motor Bus Company and China Motor Bus Company below the 1993 inflation rate, was eventually passed by a vote of 28 to 24.
Mr Swaine said he would cast a vote in favour of the status quo - the original motion - in order to preserve his impartiality.
It was only the second time he had used his casting vote. The first time was in early 1992 when legislators were debating Britain's announcement of the retirement of former governor Sir David Wilson.
