§ Sir A. KNOXasked the Minister of Transport whether he will inquire into the case of Mr. R. Yearsley, of 44, Salisbury Avenue, Farnham Road, Slough, who was formerly engaged in road transport work, discontinued such work in 1933 owing to ill-health, and has now been refused a carrier's licence by the licensing authority for the Metropolitan area on the ground of redundancy, his application being opposed by the Great Western Railway Company and Messrs. Carter Paterson; and whether he will take steps to ensure that this man is not deprived of the possibility of earning his living?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe Act provides for an appeal by an applicant who is aggrieved by the decision of the Authority.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs there no relief for this man who has been deprived of his employment owing to the opposition of these two wealthy corporations and is now in receipt of unemployment benefit?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have indicated the steps which it may be open to him to take by way of appeal.
§ Sir A. KNOXBut is the hon. Gentleman aware that this man has already appealed and that his appeal has been turned down; and has he no further means of obtaining redress?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMy hon. and gallant Friend now appears to be calling in question the findings of the appeal tribunal which was set up by Parliament. I have no jurisdiction to intervene after the proper hearing of the case.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs there no means of upsetting a decision like this, which really means forcing all the small men off the roads, in favour of big corporations?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThis tribunal was set up by a decision of Parliament. My hon. and gallant Friend is really asking me to override a decision of Parliament and that, of course, I cannot do.
§ Mr. HOLDSWORTHWill the Minister take steps to amend the legislation which allows this sort of thing?