§ 43. Sir P. Macdonaldasked the Minister of War Transport whether he is aware that traders and coach owners who have had vehicles requisitioned, and have voluntarily surrendered them to the Services, or have had to dispose of them because 681 of temporary closing down of their businesses, cannot obtain replacement of them as in the case of those which have been worn out; and whether steps can now be taken to modify the rules applying to replacement of vehicles so as to assist traders in re-establishing their businesses.
§ Mr. BarnesRegional Transport Commissioners are prepared to consider applications for licences to acquire new goods vehicles or coaches from applicants who during the war have had their vehicles requisitioned, or had voluntarily surrendered them to the Services, or who had to dispose of them because of the temporary closing down of their businesses. Such applications are dealt with on the same footing, namely, whether it is in the national interest that a licence should be granted having regard to the vehicles available and the applications made for them.
§ Sir P. MacdonaldIn the granting of these licences could not preference be given to the people who surrendered their vehicles in the national interest to purchase them at a fixed price and not have to bid for them in the open market?
§ Mr. BarnesThey are not obliged to bid for them in the open market.