§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the offices at which work related to the licensing of lorry and bus companies(a) currently takes place and (b) took place prior to 1996. [67452]
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§ Ms Glenda JacksonIn respect to Wales prior to April 1996, administrative support for the Traffic Commissioner for South Wales, the licensing authority for operators of buses, coaches and heavy lorries, was provided by staff from the Department of Transport based in Cardiff. The northern counties of Wales are currently the responsibility of the Traffic Commissioner for the North Western Traffic Area, then supported by an office in Manchester. Administrative services are now provided by offices in Birmingham and Leeds respectively. My noble Friend the Minister for Roads and Road Safety has today announced that, subject to Parliamentary approval, a new traffic area for Wales will be established with effect from 1 April 1999. The new traffic area will be administered from Birmingham, although the Traffic Commissioner will continue to hold his public inquiries in Wales as appropriate.