HC Deb 05 February 1929 vol 224 cc1563-4
14. Major GLYN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has been reached in regard to the payment of an annual subsidy for suitable passenger road vehicles of approved design which may be of use with the troops on mobilisation; and whether any inducement is being made to road transport undertakings to order vehicles that will conform to War Office requirements?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington Evans)

It is not at present considered necessary to offer any subsidy for this class of vehicle.

Major GLYN

Does that mean that no passenger vehicles will be entitled to this subsidy?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

It is not necessary to give them a subsidy.

15. Major GLYN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office have made any census of goods road vehicles of design suitable for War Office purposes; and what number of such vehicles are now entitled to an annual subsidy; and whether, in view of the large annual increase of these vehicles, the War Office have considered altering the previous regulations on this matter so as to rely only on the most up-to-date vehicles, whilst assuring the owners that the examination and periodical inspection will not unduly interfere with he normal work these vehicles are called on to perform?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Information is being obtained of the number of mechanical transport goods vehicles in the country of a kind suitable for Army requirements. As regards the seaond part of the question, the number of vehicles which may be subsidised under the present scheme is limited to 1,000, and that number is at present enrolled. As regards the last part, the regulations which are constantly under review, are framed to secure the objects to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

16. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of new motor transport vehicles which qualified for the Government subsidy last year; the average amount of subsidy paid per vehicle; and the total cost to the Exchequer of this regulation from the commencement of its operation?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

484 vehicles were subsidised during the year 1928 in replacement of a similar number which had ceased to be eligible. The subsidy is £40 a year in each case, and the total payments made since the beginning of the scheme in January, 1924, until the end of January, 1929, have amounted to approximately £147,000.