HC Deb 01 November 1939 vol 352 cc1916-7
32. Captain Strickland

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the licensing authority for the Metro- politan area has refused to allow the transfer of the A licence for a two-and-a-half ton motor-van impressed for war service to a van of similar capacity weighing three tons purchased by the owner to replace the impressed vehicle; and whether, seeing that the owner was unable to obtain a suitable vehicle of less weight, and that the replacement vehicle was of no greater carrying capacity, he will suggest to the licensing authority that his refusal should be reconsidered in the light of the difficult circumstances occasioned by the outbreak of war?

Captain Wallace

I am informed by the Metropolitan Regional Transport Commissioner that it has been his policy to allow very great latitude in authorising the substitution of vehicles on carriers' licences to replace vehicles which have been impressed. The application referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend related to a vehicle of 3 tons 3 cwt. which was to be substituted for a vehicle of 2 tons 10 cwt. The difference in this case was thought to be excessive, as it would have brought the vehicle into a higher taxation class carrying with it the right to additional fuel, and the application was, therefore, refused. I understand, however, that the vehicle was subsequently lightened and its substitution on the licence authorised before my hon. and gallant Friend drew my attention to the matter.

Captain Strickland

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the commissioner in this case only granted a defence permit to run 12 months to replace an A licence which had a running existence of five years, and is he also aware of the long delay which took place between the original application and the granting of this permit which entailed nearly a fortnight's loss of work to the operator concerned?

Captain Wallace

No, Sir, I am not aware of those matters. In fact, when the applicant's licence was applied for, after the van had been lightened it was granted on the same day.

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