RHA stamps out licence application
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A ROAD HAULAGE association application has been successful.
Evidence of debts forcing two transport companies out of business led to Yorkshire Deputy Licensing Authority Norman objection to an operator licence Moody deciding that York operator Michael Mortimer was unable to finance its transport operation properly.
Mr Mortimer, of Rawcliffe Avenue, had applied for a new international licence for one vehicle and trailer and was opposed by the RHA but he failed to appear at a Leeds public inquiry.
Gerald Rooke, a director of Rooks Transport (Tadcaster), and Tadcaster Commercials said that both his businesses went into receivership in May 1983.
The statement of affairs showed that they were owed a total of £2,486.22 by Mr Mortimer, trading as MJM International from the same address. He understood that about £200 had since been paid off.
Gary Hodgson, for the RHA, produced a letter from Mr Mortimer's solicitor claiming that at least £1,500 was still owed.
Mr Moody said that that letter was dated September 1983 and stated that Mr Mortimer was prepared to secure the debts with a second charge on his house if the objection was withdrawn. It appeared to him to be an attempt to "buy off" the objection.
Mr Hodgson said that the letter had related to a previous application by Mr Mortimer and a John Barlow trading as Barlow and Mortimer Transport, which the RHA had also opposed. However that application did not proceed as the partnership was dissolved.
He argued that Mr Mortimer could not have sufficient financial resources if he could not pay off his creditors in any other way than by taking out a second charge on his house.
Refusing the application, Mr Moody said it appeared that Mr Mortimer had no working capital.