§ 23. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Minister of Transport whether the deci- 1286 sions of the regional licensing subcommittees of the Road Haulage Association on applications for road-carriers licences are taken into account by the licensing authorities when such applications are heard.
§ Mr. BarnesThe discretion of the licensing authorities in exercising their jurisdiction under the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, is, of course, unaffected by the proceedings of these sub-committees, but I understand that they give them such consideration as they see fit in each case.
§ Mr. DaviesWill my right hon. Friend draw the attention of the licensing authorities and applicants to this matter, because there is a misunderstanding, the impression being that, if these sub-committees object to the granting of the licence, there is no use in the applicant proceeding with the application?
§ Mr. BarnesI will look into that aspect of the matter.
§ Mr. GammansWould it not be a good thing if the objectors and applicants got together, and saved the time of the Traffic Commission?
§ Mr. StokesThe Bar would not like that.
§ Mr. BarnesI think we can leave this matter to the judgment of the Traffic Commissioners.