Madam Speaker, I am informed by the NLTA that out of the existing fleet of 11,153 contract car licences to date, 7,781 representing 70%, have been granted during the last 10 years. Prior to 2014, we only had 3,372 contract car licences which in itself reflects the strict and cautious approach to the issue of such licences. From information gathered from the NLTA, there is no indication that a survey was conducted as regards to the demand and real need for such services on the market. As regard to part (b) of the question, I am made to understand by the NLTA that it does not have any record of the licences issued as to who has recommended the contract car applications. Hence, no information is currently readily available as to the number of contract car licences issued for operations in hotels and tour operators. Extracting this information from over 11,000 files may be time consuming at this stage.

25 However, I wish to reassure the House that I have vehemently condemned this situation. I have already instructed the NLTA to henceforth ensure proper recordkeeping whilst favouring the adoption of digitalisation prospects thereto so as to enable information on the recommendations of such applications to be obtained at one click. Coming to part (b) of the question, Madam Speaker, I am tabling information relating to the procedures, in the interest of time. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (c) of the question, the NLTA has confirmed that all beneficiaries did satisfy all the eligibility criteria and that they produced all the required documents when they were assessed by the then licensing board. I am also informed that as from 26 July 2024, the criteria for submission of application for contract cars was significantly eased in spite of the fact that the NLTA was already receiving a large number of applications monthly. In that context, the supporting documents were acceptable even from greenhouses, as compared to hotels and tour operators previously. New applications did not require the submission of documents on parking facilities. No bank statement was required to prove financial capacity. No enquiry was carried out by the NLTA inspectorate to assess the need for the applied licences. I am made to understand that Certificates of Character had to be produced only at the implementation stage when the application has already been approved. This crucial document was previously required prior to the application being considered by the licensing board! Moreover, during the same period these applications were decided upon by the then Officer-in-Charge of the NLTA, although the licensing board was still operational. The NLTA Act clearly stipulates that this is the power of the licensing board to determine application for contract car licences. Without any authority, this power was exercised by the then Officer-in-Charge. Accordingly, 138 car licences were granted during that said period.

Yes, hon. A. Duval!

Thank you. May I ask the hon. Minister, with regard to the lack of availability of cars having the required licence as tour operators on the market, is the hon. Minister proposing to re-open applications for the supply of these licences? As the hon. Minister may know, insurances and tour operators are complaining that they are not finding

26 cars to rent that are duly licensed. As you may know also, there is a growing black market for cars that are being rented and which do not afford the limitation of liability, etc.

Yes!

Thank you. Applications were received until about three weeks ago. There was a deadline. I am given to understand that there are about 1,500 applications which the licensing board will starting hearing very soon.

Okay. Next question, hon. Babajee! CEB – EMPLOYEES RECRUITED (2015-2025)