HC Deb 28 April 1947 vol 436 cc1634-5

Amendment made. In page 40, line 32, leave out from "not," to the end of line 33.—[Mr. Barnes.]

8.45 p.m.

Mr. Barnes

I beg to move, in page 40, line 37, at the end, to insert: either—

  1. (a) refuse or revoke a licence under this section or impose any conditions thereon; or
  2. (b) without the consent of the applicant, grant any licence for a period of less than seven years."
During the Committee stage of the Bill, I was pressed with regard to carriers and asked to extend the period from five to ten years. After looking into this matter, I came to the conclusion that I could go as far as seven years, but ten years seemed to me to be unduly long. This Amendment is put forward for the purpose of giving effect to that improvement.

Mr. Assheton

I have nothing to say here except that while we would have liked ten years, we are grateful for the concession which the Minister has made. I dare say that those concerned with canals will be very disappointed with seven years, but, at any rate, the Minister has paid some attention to the representations which were made to him.

Amendment agreed to.

Clause, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.