§ Mr. MALLALIEUasked the Minister of Transport what measures he has taken, or is prepared to take, to ensure that the small omnibus operators shall not be at a disadvantage as compared with the large operating companies with regard to the expenses of appeal to the Minister against decisions of the traffic commissioners?
§ Mr. PYBUSIt is a matter for the individual operator to decide whether he will be legally represented or appear in person at an appeal inquiry under the Road Traffic Act, 1930. My representatives holding those inquiries always try to help operators who appear in person to state their case. Under the Act I have power to make such order as I may think just as to the payment of the costs which I incur in connection with an inquiry, but I have no power to award costs as between parties.