§ Mr. Iain Mills asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the attitude he will take on appeals to him against road service licensing decisions by traffic commissioners.
§ Mr. David Howell:Under the Transport Act 1980 the traffic commissioners, having regard in particular to transport requirements, local authorities' transport policies and plans, and relevant objections or other representations are required to grant applications for road service licences unless they are satisfied that to do so would be against the interests of the public. If an appeal from their decision is made to me, I am bound by the same legislation as the commissioners, and shall decide each case on its own particular merits. There is no overriding principle that will govern my decisions on these issues.