§ Mr. ATKEYasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the prosecution of the Neath and District Automobile Company at the Neath Police-court on Tuesday, 3rd August; that this prosecution arose from the attitude of the Glamorgan County Council in refusing to allot to motor traders identification numbers in accordance with the provision of the Law; that 428W the Bench, in dismissing the case, made the statement that they considered difficulties had been placed in the way of traders by the decision of the Glamorgan County Council, and expressed a wish that these should be removed; and will he make representations to the Glamorgan County Council to come into line with every other public authority in the United Kingdom and at once issue identification numbers to the motor traders with in their area?
§ Mr. NEALMy attention has not been drawn to the case in question. I am aware that the Glamorgan County Council decline to issue general identification marks to manufacturers and dealers under Section 2 (4,b) of the Motor Car Act, 1903. The issue of these marks is a matter within their uncontrolled discretion. Representations have been made by my Department to the Council, who replied that there were no manufacturers in the county, and that the issue of these marks to mere agents appeared to them to be liable to a great deal of abuse and to impede the careful supervision of motor cars on the road, which it is their desire to maintain. The whole question is under consideration in connection with the new taxation proposals.