§ 27. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the number of goods vehicle licences which were revoked or suspended, respectively, for offences committed under the Road Traffic Acts during 1958 or the latest available period; and how this number compares with the corresponding period of the previous year.
§ The Joint Parliamentary, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. G. R. H. Nugent)During the twelve months ended 30th September. 1958, twelve licences covering sixteen vehicles were revoked and eiehteen covering thirty-six vehicles were suspended. 1303 During the previous year three licences covering three vehicles were revoked and three covering five vehicles were suspended.
§ Mr. DaviesWhile welcoming that in some cases more severe penalties have been imposed for infringement of statutory regulations, may I ask, in view of the fact that the Parliamentary Secretary stated last week that he was in consultation with the licensing authority, that he will consult the licensing authority in regard to the severity of penalties which are being imposed and will see whether it is not desirable to use the sanction of revocation of licence in a far greater number of cases in view of the increase in the number of offences?
§ Mr. NugentNo, Sir. The Traffic Commissioners and the licensing authority have a statutory independence. I am sure that we can rely upon them to use it in a sensible and judicial way. We should leave this matter to them.