§ 48. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Minister of Transport how many inspectors were appointed by his Department to examine omnibuses; whether they had an examination to pass; and, seeing that the main part to go wrong is the engine, how many having engineering qualifications were selected?
§ Mr. PYBUSThirteen certifying officers and 112 public service vehicle examiners have been appointed in the 12 1635 traffic areas (excluding the Metropolitan area). These officials were appointed by selection and not by written examination. The certifying officers are all qualified mechanical or automobile engineers with practical experience. With the exception of two or three men experienced in coachwork, all the vehicle examiners are men with practical experience of motor vehicle engineering.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the hon. Gentleman aware that my union, the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, informed me that not a single engineer has been appointed by this Ministry to inspect engines and to approve omnibuses?
Lieut.-Colonel MOORECan the hon. Gentleman say whether any saving has been incurred through the appointment of these inspectors in the running of omnibuses?
§ Mr. PYBUSI can only say that before these officers were appointed, applications were made to the trade unions concerned, and a good many applications were received from them.
§ Mr. MAXTONCannot the Minister of Transport issue a White Paper telling us exactly how the process of selection is carried through, so that we may all have an equal chance?