58. Colonel Sandeman Allenasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that licensing authorities are threatening road operators with the loss of licences for offences committed by their employés at times and places where it is impossible for them to exercise control; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Captain Austin Hudson)I understand that the licensing authorities have, where necessary, drawn the attention of operators to the provisions of Section 13 of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933. The Statute gives the operator the right to ask for a public inquiry before any revocation or suspension. There is a further right of appeal to the Appeal Tribunal.
Colonel Sandeman AllenDo I understand from that answer that the traffic authorities do not call for the public inquiry, but that the operator himself asks for it?
§ Captain HudsonSection 13 says that a licence cannot be revoked or suspended unless a breach of conditions has been frequent or wilful or has involved danger to the public, and that the licensing authority cannot revoke or suspend until a public inquiry into the matter has been held if the holder of the licence so requests. So that it is at his request.