HC Deb 25 June 1980 vol 987 cc678-9

Lords amendment: No. 39, after clause 26, in page 27, line 26, at end insert—

  1. (1) Provision may be made by regulations for modifying the provisions of this Part, and any other statutory provisions relating to public service vehicles, in their application to the operation of vehicles and the provision of services by persons in partnership.
    2. 679
  2. (2) A road service licence or PSV operator's licence shall not be granted to an unincorporated body as such or to more than one person jointly except in cases permitted by regulations under this section.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I beg to move, That this House does agree with the Lords in the said amendment.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

With this we may take Lords amendments Nos. 47 to 52, 55, 56, 99, 102 and 105.

Mr. Clarke

This follows an undertaking that my right hon. Friend gave in Committee when he said that he would look again at the question of partnerships as applicants for, and holders of, licences. We have carried out that undertaking. We agree that the Bill as drafted was unsatisfactory. In another place, the Government, therefore, inserted all these amendments. The new clause, in particular, puts the position of partnerships beyond doubt by making clear that licences can be held by partnerships, although not by other unincorporated bodies.

Question put and agreed to.

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