§ 66. Mr. F. F. RILEYasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the meeting of the Road Traffic Commissioners of the Northern area held at Stockton on the 21st instant; whether he is aware that witnesses were subjected by members of the Commission to methods of cross-examination and comments of an unusual character; and whether he will have the matter fully inquired into?
§ Mr. PARKINSONMy right hon. Friend has received a letter of complaint on the subject and has replied that, whilst he regretted it if anything occurred at the particular hearing which left the Mayor with a sense of grievance, he felt sure that it was the desire of the Traffic Commissioners to show proper consideration to all parties appearing 2457 before them. The Commissioners occupy an independent position and my right hon. Friend has no desire to interfere with their discretion.
§ Mr. RILEYIs the Minister aware that the witness referred to is practically charged with giving false evidence?
§ Mr. PARKINSONI do not think that my right hon. Friend has any other information except that which has been published in the Press, and he has already addressed a letter to the Mayor of the Borough.
§ Mr. RILEYIs the Minister aware that the witness referred to has, within the last three days, furnished the Minister with a typescript of the whole of the evidence?
§ Mr. PARKINSONI am not aware of that fact, but I know that cuttings from the newspapers have been supplied to the Minister, and, in reply, my right hon. Friend has sent a letter to the Mayor explaining the position. I think that when the Mayor receives that letter, he will be perfectly satisfied that the Department has done all it can do.