§ 27. Mr. HALESasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that, under Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, no right of appeal is given to a local authority objecting to variation of the conditions attaching to a road service licence unless the local authority has originally objected to the grant of the licence; and, in view of the case that has arisen in the city of Stoke-on-Trent and similar cases likely to result in injustice and hardship, will he take steps to introduce amending legislation?
§ Mr. PYBUSI am aware of the provisions of the Statute, to which the first part of this question relates; but I am unable to agree with the suggestions of the second part. Where substantial variation of a road service licence is sought, the practice of the Traffic Commissioners is to require it to be submitted in the form of a new application, so as to ensure that potential objectors may have a right of appeal. The city of Stoke-on-Trent has exercised the right so given to them in this case and an Inquiry into their appeal will be held at a very early date.
§ Mr. HALESAs the Act is undoubtedly badly drawn and the result is a great injustice to the operatives, will not the hon. Gentleman take further steps to amend it, so that this injustice may be put right?
§ Mr. PYBUSI do not agree with the hon. Gentleman that the Act is badly drawn, or that the Stoke-on-Trent Corporation have any grievance whatever. In fact, the inquiry is to be held at an early date, and we have just been informed that the corporation are now pressing for postponement, as they are not ready with their case.