§ 36. Mr. Manuelasked the Minister of Transport what will be the effect of her proposals for the reform of the carriers' licensing system on those parts of the country where British Railways do not provide a freightliner service.
§ Mr. John MorrisQuality licensing will have the same effect everywhere—to improve and maintain lorry safety standards, whilst freeing operators from outdated and unnecessary quantity restrictions. The new quantity licences will be issued virtually automatically where there is no rail service which can compete with road in overall terms of speed, reliability and cost. Everyone can thus expect a more efficient, flexible and economic service from road transport in future.
§ Mr. ManuelIs my hon. Friend aware that that Answer will be very helpful and will destroy much of the propaganda of the other side of the House about carrier licensing? Is he further aware that it will reassure those who have been frightened because they were getting propaganda instead of facts?
§ Mr. MorrisI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his remarks. It is vitally important to give the country facts and not fiction about the present Transport Bill.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerWill the hon. Gentleman therefore give one fact and agree that even in those areas where no railways are operating, it will still be possible for someone not to obtain a quantity licence due to an objection from the National Freight Authority?
§ Mr. MorrisNo.