§ 24. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Minister of Transport if he has yet reached a decision on the appeal to him against the granting of licences to Northern Roadways to operate services between Scotland and London.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo such appeal has yet been lodged.
§ Mr. DaviesUnder what authority are Northern Roadways now operating these services, as their licences were revoked and backing has not yet been granted by the Metropolitan licensing authority for the new licences which were applied for?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI must have notice of the exact form of that question. I would point out to the hon. Gentleman that the licensing authority for the Scottish area published its decision on 4th October, that the time limit for appeals expires on 4th November and that no appeal had been lodged against it up to mid-day today. These licences require backing by the Metropolitan licensing authority and the applications are being heard today.
§ Mr. DaviesIs it not the practice to refrain from operating services until backing has been received? Are not these services being operated illegally at present?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs I said, I must consider the terms of the hon. Gentleman's question, of which I had no warning, before I give him a definite answer on that point. I have traced out the sequence of dates between the two licensing authorities in this very complicated matter.
§ Mr. DaviesIs the Minister aware that if a licence has been issued but has not received backing these services cannot be operated, and that Northern Roadways are operating services without backing?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have nothing to add to my answer.