HC Deb 20 April 1932 vol 264 c1458
19. Mr. LENNOX-BOYD

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will amend the Road Traffic Act so that the general public has a right to present its case when an application is made for licences before the area commissioners?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Pybus)

The Road Traffic Act already requires the commissioners to take into consideration the representations of local authorities in whose area any part of a route affected is situated, but the hon. Member will appreciate that the public sittings might be prolonged indefinitely if unrestricted rights of addressing the commissioners were given to the general public. In very numerous cases, however, the commissioners have, in the exercise of their discretion, considered representations from local bodies or persons other than local authorities.

Mr. REMER

Is my hon. Friend aware that these commissioners, generally speaking, do not take any notice of local authorities?

Mr. PYBUS

No, Sir, I am not aware of that fact.

Mr. REMER

Will my hon. Friend take steps to make himself aware of the facts?

Mr. PYBUS

I have noted the hon. Member's remarks.