HC Deb 16 November 1933 vol 281 cc1155-6

Lords Amendment: In page 5, line 9, at the end, insert: Notwithstanding anything in this Part of this Act, the licensing authority may, in a case of emergency and subject to such conditions as he thinks fit to impose, authorise the holder of a C licence to use an authorised vehicle for the carriage of goods for any person to whom be lets the vehicle if the authority is satisfied that the needs of that person cannot conveniently be met from other sources.

Mr. STANLEY

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

This provision is inserted to meet the convenience of the "C" licence holders in the case of emergency. In the Bill, as it stood before amendment, it would be possible for a "C" licence holder to hire a vehicle from another "C" licence holder, but not a vehicle and driver, as such living out was to be the province of the "A" and "B" licence holders. With this Amendment, it will be possible, with the permission of the licensing authority and in the case of an emergency, for authorisation to be granted to a "C" licence holder to let out a vehicle with the driver.

3.54 p.m.

Mr. GEORGE HALL

May I ask whether these vehicles will be licensed under the "C" licence, or under an "A" or "B" licence? That is rather important, because the Fair Wages Clause will not apply to the holders of "C" licences, and if a vehicle is hired by a "C" licence holder from someone else, that really ought not to be treated as a vehicle which will come under the "C" licence. I would like the Minister to explain whether the owner or hirer of such a vehicle will hold a "C" or an "A" licence.

3.55 p.m.

Mr. STANLEY

This position only arises from the fact that the person holds a "C" licence, and is operating under a "C" licence. The hon. Member will realise that this is only to meet an emergency, and will be subject to the permission of the licensing authority. We do not wish to do away with the principle that this sort of thing should be done only under the "A" or the "B" licence.

Question put, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment," agreed to.

Subsequent Lords Amendments to page 5, line 35, agreed to.