§ 46. Captain STRICKLANDasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been directed to a decision given by the licensing authority for the West Midland area on Wednesday, 12th June, under which he dismissed an application made for a trailer and stated that if an application for a separate vehicle were substituted he would regard the application more favourably; whether he is aware that this same officer, at an inquiry held in Birmingham the previous week, stated that trailers were better off the road than on; and what is the policy of the Government in this matter?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIn administering the licensing system the authorities function independently and are not subject to my directions. The remarks seem to have been made either during or after arguments between an applicant and objectors; they appear to be obiter dicta.
§ Captain STRICKLANDAre we to understand from that answer that a man asking for a licence for a trailer in one district may receive preferential treatment over a similar application made in another district, and will my right hon. Friend take steps to get some unification of system in the granting of licences?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThese authorities were appointed by Parliament to act independently, and they are as much outside my control as magistrates are outside the control of any Minister in this House. I cannot be responsible for obiter dicta uttered by these authorities. I have no power in the matter.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENThey have discretionary power in the matter.