§ 48 Clause 48, page 47, line 42, at end insert—
§
("( ) In section 17(I) after the words "as to professional competence" there shall be inserted "and the Traffic Commissioners shall also revoke the licence if the holder has shown consistent disregard for drivers' hours regulations."")
§ The Commons disagreed to this amendment for the following reason:
§ 48A Because the Commons consider that the traffic commissioner's existing powers to revoke a PSV operator's licence where the licence-holder has contravened drivers' hours requirements are sufficient.
§ Viscount GoschenMy Lords, I beg to move that the House do not insist on their Amendment No. 48 to which the Commons have disagreed for the reason numbered 48A.
I can assure the House that the Government attach great importance to ensuring that restrictions on drivers' hours are fully complied with. We are aware of the significance of the regulations in maintaining and improving the safety record of our bus industry. I can, however, also assure the House that Amendment No. 48 is not needed in order to secure compliance with the drivers' hours regulations. A traffic commissioner can already—and in some cases must —revoke a licence under his existing powers if there is evidence that an operator has been disregarding the regulations. The amendment is therefore unnecessary.
§ Moved, That the House do not insist on their Amendment No. 48 to which the Commons have disagreed for the reason numbered 48A.—(Viscount Goschen.)
§ Lord PestonMy Lords, noble Lords will be delighted to know that, for reasons of efficient procedure, the remarks that I made with respect to the previous amendment fully apply to the one now before the House.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.