§ 56. Mr. Butcherasked the Minister of Transport details, to the last convenient date, of the number of "A," "B" and "C" licences revoked or suspended in the area of the East Midland licensing authority and the number of vehicles affected?
§ Mr. BurginUnder Section 23 (4) of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, licensing authorities are required to report to me 1162 once a year on their proceedings. The last report from the East Midland licensing authority shows that in the year ended 30th September, 1936, he did not exercise his powers of suspension or revocation under Section 13 of the Act. I gather from statements in the public Press that he has since done so, but I do not yet know in how many cases.
§ 57. Mr. Butcherasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the wide powers exercised by the licensing authorities which may prejudicially affect the employment and industry of a district, he will review the working of the Road and Rail Traffic Act in this connection?
§ Mr. BurginThe action of the licensing authorities in particular cases is subject to review by the Appeal Tribunal set up by Parliament under the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, and a considerable number of their decisions has been reviewed on objections duly lodged by parties entitled to appeal.
64. Colonel Sandeman Allenasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that an application by T. Ball (Leicester), Limited, for one additional licence for a vehicle of 2 tons 10 cwts., made in April, 1936, was only granted after appeal this month at a net legal cost of £288; and will he consider reviewing a system which inflicts such hardships on road hauliers?
§ Mr. BurginI have seen reports of this case in the Press. I have received no recommendations from the Transport Advisory Council that Parliament should be asked to amend the provisions of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, which relate to proceedings before the licensing authorities and the Appeal Tribunal.
Colonel Sandeman AllenIs my right hon. Friend satisfied with the behaviour of the Traffic Commissioner in this particular case.
§ Captain StricklandIs my right hon. Friend aware that in this particular case the road haulier was put to legal costs of £288, and that the court awarded him only £60 against two railway companies and other people who objected?
Colonel Sandeman AllenIn view of the unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.