Leave Application " Speculative" B ECAUSE it was thought that there
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might be some doubt about the legality of the company's private hire operations in connection with week-end travel for personnel at the naval air station at Anthorn, Cumberland, and the neighbouring R.A.F. station at Great Orton, Blair and Palmer, Ltd., Carlisle, sought additions to its existing excursion and tour licences when applying, last week, to the Northern Licensing Authority for their renewal.
Objections, chiefly on the ground that adequate facilities already existed, were made by Scottish Omnibuses, Ltd., the Western S.M.T. Co., Ltd., Ribble Motor Services.. Ltd., W. C. Standerwick, Ltd.. Scout Motor Services, Ltd., and Cumberland Motor Services, Ltd.
Mr. T. H. Campbell Wardlaw said that Blair and Palmer, Ltd., had operated a stage-carriage service from Anthorn to Carlisle ever since the 'air station was built in the early part of the war. To add variety to its existing -tours, the company sought to run to various places in Cumberland and the Lake District. Some additional excursion points were also proposed. including Glasgow, Edinburgh and London. This part of the application was • designed to deal with Service week-end traffic.
The Licensing Authority stated that the excursion destinations were too "speculative," as they depended on the home towns of the personnel, who were always changing. He suggested that Blair and Palmer, Ltd., made application when the time came for excursions to the destinations which might be required. He explained that special applications, such as in the cases of unexpected replay matches, were often granted.
He also intimated that the railway was norrnally considered the best means for travel to London, but there was evidence to warrant the addition of Newcastle to the existing licence. After the applicant had expressed agreement to the Authority's suggestion, the renewal of the tours licence, with the additions of the places asked for, was granted, including the Newcastle excursion Other long-distance excursion destinations were refused (except for Kelso), but it was stated that if Service requirements demanded, the company could make applications to be dealt with on their merits.