asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to provide a right of appeal against the decision of the licensing authority for those making representations under the Goods' Vehicles (Operators' Licences Qualifications and Fees) Regulations 1984 (S.I., 1984, No. 176); and if he will make a statement.

I have undertaken to review the working of these regulations after a year in operation. The review is to commence shortly, and if as a result of it there appears to be a need to extend the right of appeal I will consider doing so.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to introduce a requirement for those wishing to make representations in connection with an appeal to be heard under the Goods' Vehicles (Operators' Licences Qualifications and Fees) Regulations 1984 (S.I., 1984, No. 176) to have a right to be informed when the licensing authority is to hear the appeal; and if he will make a statement.

If a licensing authority decides to hold an inquiry into an application for a goods vehicle operator's licence, people who have made valid representations are informed of the date. Appeals against the decision of the licensing authority are to the transport tribunal, but representers have no right of appeal and there are no arrangements for them to be informed. In reviewing the operation of the system I will consider whether these arrangements need to be amended.