§ 56. Sir J. Nallasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that by refusing to sanction the licensing of the type of motor coach tour known as a fantail tour, he is depriving persons who are unable to afford private motor cars of the advantages of a long-distance holiday; and will he state on what grounds he makes this discrimination between persons who travel by parties in motor coaches and those who proceed in private motor cars?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI do not accept these premises. The only decisions given by me are on appeals.
§ Sir J. NallAs the effect of the appeal is as stated in the question, does my right hon. Friend think that it is unreasonable to ask that he should give the House some reason for the decision?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaNo, Sir. The decision given by the Traffic Commissioners was a reasoned decision, and on reading it my hon. Friend may find that his impression, as conveyed in the question, is removed.
§ Mr. LyonsCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether there has been any falling off in the advertised programmes of these tours, which are so helpful to the workers in industrial areas?
§ Sir Ronald RossIs not the function of my right hon. Friend a judicial one in this matter, and is it proper to bring Parliamentary pressure to bear upon a Minister who has to exercise a judicial function?
§ Sir John HaslamDoes not the Minister realise that these vehicles are engaged just as a motor car is engaged, and are the property of the hirers for that particular week and they ought to be able to use them wherever they are situated?