§ 62. Captain STRICKLANDasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the expense thrown upon applicants for road licences by objections laid by railway companies on the grounds that they are providing transport facilities in the district concerned; whether the licensing authorities in any instances award costs against objectors who fail to prove their ability to provide suitable facilities; and, if not, whether he will take steps to provide for this to be done?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAParliament gave no power to the licensing authorities to award costs, and I would not propose to invite it to review so recent a decision.
§ Captain STRICKLANDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great expense occasioned by reason of the objections by people not concerned in the actual district in which the licences are required?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIt is for those who are applying for the licences to make out their case, and anyone having an interest in the matter is entitled to appear and to argue his case on the other side. I shall be glad to have specific particulars of any definite grievance.
§ Mr. HOLDSWORTHWill the right hon. Gentleman consider amending legislation, seeing that the railway companies are refusing what was given to them for really special purposes?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIf any facts are brought to my notice that will substantiate that remark it would, of course, be my duty to look into the matter personally.
§ Mr. HOLDSWORTHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the railway companies are making a practice of opposing every application without any question of principle at all?