§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Transport whether he can give particulars of the defence emergency organisation of road transport; into how many districts and sub-districts the country has been divided; what is the total number of people employed, and what is their relationship to the military authorities; how far are they in contact with the offices of the regional commissioners; and under what authority can they requisition vehicles?
§ Sir J. ReithThere are 12 regions, 2 sub-regions, 86 districts, and 477 sub-districts, 1,929 persons are employed by the Ministry. In addition the industry nominates 477 sub-district managers and about 9,500 group organisers. Among other duties, regional transport commissioners requisition vehicles for the military and other authorities, and assist them to obtain the transport they need. District officers are responsible to the1152W Transport Commissioners, each of whom has a liaison officer with the Regional Civil Commissioner, and there is close contact between the two. Requisitioning of vehicles is carried out by the officers designated in the Emergency Powers (Defence) Road Vehicles and Drivers Order, 1940, under powers conferred by Regulation 53 of the Defence (General) Regulations.