§ 43. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will arrange that A special licences, issued in respect of former British Road Services operated vehicles, are not automatically renewed on their expiry, but that their holders may be entitled to apply for ordinary A licences, and, where they do so, will be subject to the procedure applicable to those making an initial application for such licences.
§ Mr. WatkinsonWhen special A licences expire applications for ordinary A licences to replace them must be dealt with under the provisions of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933. In this matter holders of special and ordinary A licences are in the same position.
§ Mr. DaviesIn view of the fact that a large number of A special licences and their vehicles have been transferred since they were sold from the British Road Services fleet, and therefore are operating in areas far away from their original bases, contrary to the 1953 Act, will the Minister see that these facts and any illegal operation are taken into consideration when applications are made for new licences?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI have stated the position clearly. It makes it quite plain that special A licences and ordinary A licences are dealt with in exactly the same manner.