No Decision on Fleetwood Fish Appeal
Page 49
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A B-LICENCE grant for 30 vehicles b■ 1-1 the North Western deputy Licensing Authority to an association of Fleetwood fish merchants gave rise to an appeal to the Transport Tribunal last week,
1. Wharton and Sons Ltd. and others appealed against the grant and were represented by Mr. J. Backhouse. Mr. F. D. Walker appeared for the respondents. Merchants Mutual Association (Fleetwood).
Because of rail reorganization, said Mr. Backhouse. the Fleetyvoocl fish merchants, through their non-profitmaking association, applied for and were granted a B licence for nine artics and 21 rigid vehicles to carry meat and fish. The application and grant were not based on the average daily tonnage of fish, but on the heaviest daily tonnage involved, He thought too many vehicles had been licensed.
The 30 vehicles applied for, Mr. Backhouse went on, had been assessed by Mr. F. Pearson, of T. Pearson and Co. (Bolton) who was to manage the fleet, with no confirmation that it was a realistic 'figure. It was said at the inquiry that the fish would go to 450 distribution points, but the deputy LA did not get confirmation from the applicants, nor did he recall them for further evidence. His meat haulage clients objected to the condition allowing 16 vehicles to be used for meat and fish and greatly feared abstraction. Why had the deputy Authority favoured newcomers to the industry? Mr. Backhouse asked.
Mr. Walker said the application was unusual in that the objectors were unrepresented until the hearing had been under way for some time. The objectors, all Liverpool meat hauliers, had made it clear their objection was to the carriage of meat. The number of vehicles required for fish movements had been dealt with briefly at the inquiry because no one had any idea that other parties were involved. If this incurred any disadvantage, said Mr. Walker, it should not fall on the party wholly innocent of misconception or error.
Continuing,. Mr. Walker stated that Mr. Wharton was the only objector to give evidence. Others could have attended the inquiry. The grant of 33 containers, with 30 vehicles was, perhaps, an error, as originally 33 vehicles were to be applied for.
Although 16 vehicles were authorized to carry meat as well as fish, Mr. Walker stated, there was little chance that this number would do so regularly.
The president, Mr. (3. D. Squibb, said that the Tribunal's decision would be given in writing.