Mr. Rathboneasked the Minister of Transport whether, with reference to his provisional regulations for goods vehicles (duration of carriers licences), dated 31st August, recipients of the short period licences provided for in Section 2 will, after expiry of the short period have their licences automatically renewed for the full period of five years for A and C licences and two years for B licence, or whether the same delays and expenses of contested applications will be allowed as if the full period had originally been granted?
§ Mr. BurginUnder the statute an application for a C licence must be granted automatically unless the applicant has had a previous licence suspended or revoked. In 1937 Parliament provided for an extended currency of A and B licences but allowed shortened period licences to enable the licensing authority to effect the consequent change in his programme of work. In so doing Parliament did not deprive other parties of the right to object to applications. The power to grant or refuse applications is vested in the licensing authority.