Transfer of Redundant Business ?

3rd May 1957, Page 69

3rd May 1957

Page 69

Page 69, 3rd May 1957 — Transfer of Redundant Business ?

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T"position of a one-man haulage business when the proprietor falls ill and is unable to make arrangements for its continuance was illustrated at Liverpool on Tuesday when Mr. G. H. Cropper, Walton, Liverpool, applied to take over an A licence for a vehicle belonging to Mr. J. H. Plumb. The British Transport Commission objected.

Mr. E. A. Whitehead, for the applicant, said he could not pretend there had been any business since March, 1956, and the case must be put on sympathetic grounds. Mr. Plumb had held an A licence since 1934, originally with a normal user of "general goods. Liverpool and Southport." In 1939, it was altered to general goods, Lancashire," and since 1948 he had specialized in work for Lancashire County Council.

Mr. Plumb was now ill with coronary thrombosis and the licence had not been used for more than 12 months. He had agreed to sell the business to Mr. Cropper for £325. Accountants' figures showed receipts of £962 for the year ended March 31, 1955, and £730 for the 11 months ended February. 1956.

The vendor was an established haulier at the commencement of licensing and it would be hard if he was unable to realize his assets, said ,,Mr. Whitehead.

Mr. G. H. P. Beames, for the B.T.C-, said that although they had every sympathy for Mr. Plumb, there must be no question of bartering a licence. The case was based on sympathy, but the Act did not provide for such contingencies. The vehicle had been off the road and before that had been voluntarily restricted to road work for the council.

Mr. Cropper was asking for a user of "general goods, Lancashire" and was proposing to replace the vehicle with a heavier tipper. The council should have intimated they were willing to employ the applicant if there were to be a grant.

Mr. J. R. Lindsay, North Western Deputy Licensing Authority, said he had to be satisfied there was a business to sell. He would adjourn the case to give Mr. Cropper a chance to see whether the council would agree to his taking over the work. If they were willing, he would require an undertaking that this would be the main work. Only in such circumstances would a transfer be granted.