HC Deb 20 June 1979 vol 968 cc1294-5
2. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Minister of Transport if he has any plans for reforming the traffic commissioner licensing system.

Mr. Fowler

Yes, Sir. I attach great importance to our manifesto commitment to relax the licensing system now administered by the traffic commissioners in order to enable new bus and other services to develop and to encourage new private operators. Our aim will be to increase choice, save resources—particularly energy—and remove unnecessary bureaucracy.

Mr. Morrison

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his reply will be greatly welcomed throughout the country because of the growing belief that the existing system is far too restrictive and that the time is long overdue for a relaxation in the current rules? Is it his intention to introduce legislation relaxing the present rules in this Session or the next?

Mr. Fowler

We are concerned about the question when we can introduce legislation. I hope that we shall be able to do it substantially during this Session.

Mr. McCusker

Will the Minister see that there is no further delay in taking action on the Foster committee report, particularly in resolving problems relating to short-term operators' licences required by hauliers operating from Northern Ireland to Great Britain?

Mr. Fowler

We are examining the Foster committee report, which will also become part of the legislation, as part of the package.