§ 53. Mr. REMERasked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the expense incurred by the opposition by railway companies and large omnibu3 undertakings against the smaller omnibus owners before the Traffic Commissioners; and if he will take steps, in cases where these; applications are granted, to provide that they shall be granted for a period of years, or that no objections can be made on the same grounds in the annual application?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Parkinson)My right hon. Friend's attention has not been called specifically to the matter referred to in the first part of the hon. Member's question. As regards the second part, I would point out that under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, a road service licence cannot continue in 1923 force for a period exceeding 12 months, and that in exercising their discretion to grant or refuse an application for a fresh licence, the Traffic Commissioners are required to take into consideration any representations which may be made by persons who are already providing transport facilities along or near to any part of the proposed route.
§ Mr. REMERIs the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that if the small omnibus owners have to make application every year, and are put to very serious expense, they will very soon go out of business altogether?
§ Mr. PARKINSONOf course, but there is no obligation to engage counsel, and, after all, the licence is only granted for one year according to law.
§ Mr. REMERWill the hon. Gentleman make representations to the commissioners to see what they can do to assist them?