32. Mr. W. M. ADAMSONasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a report from the Warwickshire Standing Joint Committee with regard to the cost of police constables in checking motor vehicles for taxation proposals, and recommending that this duty should be made a charge on the Road Fund; and what reply he has returned to this recommendation?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am causing the committee to be informed that I am prepared to meet claims for overtime incurred by the police in making such checks. This is in accordance with present practice, but I do not consider it necessary that payments should be made to police funds in respect of such checks carried out during ordinary hours of duty.
Mr. ADAMSONIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in Birmingham alone within a period of six weeks there have been 700 convictions owing to default in licences?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am very glad to hear it. That means some more money to the Road Fund.