§ 43. Captain Stricklandasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the evidence given on behalf of the railway companies when objecting to the renewal of A and B licences that it was the intention of His Majesty's Government to use the provisions of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, in order to reduce the number of such vehicles on the roads, he will make a statement on the matter to explain the attitude of his Department and their intentions in future?
Mr. Hare-BelishaNo such statement by me would be proper in a matter which has been determined by Parliament itself.
§ Captain StricklandMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman for some assurance that the railway representatives have not had the definite Government authority to make the statement that they made, and further, is it not possible for the Government to make a declaration of their intention in future? Do they mean to use this Act in the way which has been stated in the courts?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have not seen the actual statement, but if it were made, it was made upon the authority of the railway companies, and not upon the authority of the Government. It is the duty of the licensing authority to listen to all objections.
§ Mr. CassellsIs the Minister aware of the fact that under the Road Transport Regulations the small haulier is definitely being squeezed out in favour of the large combines?