HC Deb 15 July 1931 vol 255 cc444-5
31. Miss PICTON - TURBERVILL

asked the Minister of Transport if owner-drivers of omnibuses who have not yet paid for their omnibuses and who cannot secure a licence will receive compensation?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

No person is entitled either to a licence, or to the renewal of a licence, and no question of compensation can arise. The question whether the person owns the vehicle, or is in possession of it under a hire-purchase agreement, does not affect the position.

Miss PICTON-TURBERVILL

Will my right hon. Friend not consider compensation to those owner-drivers who have only paid a very small percentage for the omnibus and still have a big amount to pay, but are unable to continue their payments? Will he not consider it?

Mr. MORRISON

I think it would be very dangerous for us to assume that when an annual licence is granted, a person is thereby granted a property in the licence. It would be a highly dangerous principle.

Miss PICTON-TURBERVILL

May I remind my right hon. Friend that I am thinking of the motor omnibus, not the licence?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman now realise that the Road Traffic Act has put decent men off the road and ruined companies?