RECORDS EPISODE CLOSED?
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WITH the dismissal of an appeal VII by H. L. Walker, Ltd., of Thornaby-on-Tees, against the refusal by the Northern Licensing Authority, Mr. J. A. T. Hanlon, of two extra articulated vehicles, it is to be hoped that the unfortunate "records row " episode in the Northern area, which hit the headlines at the beginning of the year, is finally closed.
Last January, it will be remembered, veteran haulier Alfred Dailey, who manages the H. L. Walker fleet for J. and A. Smith of Maddiston, Ltd., refused to allow his company's drivers' records to be taken away by Ministry officials (Turnbull's (Transport) Packing Co., Ltd., of North Shields, who refused to attend the same inquiry, after being called upon to show cause why they should not pro
duce their records, subsequently " co-operated " with the Authority and
1.,vre granted a variation of their licence in chambers). At that hearing. Walker's application was refused.
When • the matter came before the Tribunal at the last session—the appeal was refused because of an insufficiency of evidence to show an imperative need for an increase—Sir Hubert Hull, the president, made only a passing comment about the happenings in the Northern area. He said, in so many words, that the Tribunal would not allow such matters to colour their decision. But, he added, it would have been better if the Licensing Authority had said nothing about it all.
What about Walker's and their records? Well, I understand that they are still standing their ground, although the question has not arisen--no one has requested them to hand over any records recent] y.