asked the Minister for Finance if he will state whether he is aware that a number of persons who paid for a hawker's licence in respect of the year ended 31st March, 1943, are now prevented by the transport restrictions from carrying on business as a hawker; and if he will take steps to arrange that a proportionate part of the hawker's licence duty will be repaid to such persons in respect of that part of the year during which they can derive no benefit from the licence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hawkers' Licences.
I am not aware that a number of persons who took out hawkers' licences for the year ending 31st March, 1943, are prevented by transport restrictions from carrying on their business. There is no statutory authority for the repayment of hawker's licence duty where a hawker ceases trading during the currency of his licence, and I do not propose to provide for such repayment.
Is it not a fact that a very considerable number of those persons who have paid licence fees have been deprived of the right of carrying on their business owing to the shortage of petrol and is it not unreasonable in the circumstances to take their money?
No representations of any kind have reached me.
If representations are made by persons who find themselves in this position, will the question of a refund be considered?
I will certainly consider them, if representations are made.