§ Mr. Hepworthasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the difficulties experienced by road hauliers using "A" licences in their efforts to expand their activities in accordance with the improvement of trade; whether he is aware of the heavy costs entailed even by successful appearances before the Traffic Commissioners; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the way in which the Road and Rail Traffic Act is being worked?
§ Mr. BurginThe Statute requires the licensing authority, in considering applications for carriers' licences, to "have regard primarily to the interests of the public generally," a term which includes those who require as well as those who provide transport facilities. The amount of costs incurred by an applicant is very1080W largely a matter within his own discretion. I am always ready to consider any suggestion for simplifying procedure, provided that it is compatible with carrying out the requirements of the Statute.