§ 10. Mr. W. T. Rodgersasked the Minister of Transport how many prosecutions were instituted in 1961, 1962 and 1963, respectively, against C licence holders for using their vehicles in a manner other than that permitted under the licensing regulations.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Vice-Admiral John Hughes Hallett)In the 12 months ending 30th September in each case, the licensing authorities reported 970, 1,228, and 757 prosecutions respectively, for breach of conditions of carriers' C licences.
§ Mr. RodgersWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House what proportion of these prosecutions relates to persistent offenders? Is he satisfied in particular, in view of the drop, as I understand it, in the last of these years, that a sufficient number of prosecutions is being taken against C licence holders who are attempting to provide tramp services with their vehicles contrary to their licences? Could he say also what powers are available to withdraw licences or fail to renew them if the conditions are not properly fulfilled?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI cannot answer the first of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary questions without notice. Whether we have a record as between persistent and repeated offences and first offences, I cannot say, but I will look into the matter. With regard to the last of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary questions, there are adequate powers for the licensing authorities to withdraw the licences of persistent offenders. With regard to enforcement, I do not think too much should be read into variations from one year to another. I do not think there is any particular significance in the drop between 1962 and 1963.
§ Mr. MellishBut these are prosecutions which were discovered by a very inadequate Supply of inspectors. Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what the Department will do to increase the number of inspectors available to apprehend those concerned in what is known to be a very large malpractice at this moment? What is he going to do about it?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI would not entirely agree with the implication in that supplementary question. With regard to the number of inspectors I have little to add to the answers on that subject which I gave not long ago. However, as I indicated then, we hope to 1267 improve the methods by which these regulations are enforced rather than merely step up the numbers of inspectors.
§ Mr. RodgersWould not the hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that it is possible that licensing authorities may feel that the fact that the Geddes Committee is sitting exonerates them from some responsibility for enforcing existing licensing regulations, and would he make it clear to them that as long as the law remains, it ought to be enforced?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI do not think there is any question about our doing our utmost to ensure that the law is properly enforced without any prejudice to what may be found or recommended in due course by the Geddes Committee.