§ 38. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether it has now been decided to proceed no further with the War Office scheme of subsidising motor lorries in the event of their being required for purposes of war?
§ 114. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that a register of motor lorries would be as effective and far more economical than the subsidy as at present proposed, he will reconsider the matter?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSON (Parliamentary Secretary, War Office)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question and at the same time I will reply to Question number 114. I would refer the hon. Members to the replies already given to which there is nothing to add.
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONWill the Government consider the advisability of getting a register of these cars and commandeering them when they are wanted, instead of going to the whole expense of a Government subsidy?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONIf the hon. Member will put down a question, I will ascertain.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINI have a question down. May I press for an answer? Surely registration is just as efficacious as a subsidy.
§ Viscount CURZONIs not registration already provided for under the Motor Car Act?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONOne registration is provided for under the Motor Car Act, but not the registration required by the War Office. The whole matter is receiving consideration, as I have already informed the House.
Dr. MURRAYWould it not be sufficient to commandeer the motor-cars of people who have been convicted of offences against the Motor-Car Act.