§ 28. Lord SCONEasked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the case tried by the Oxford bench 969 on 9th September, in which evidence was given that a lorry driver was compelled to do 230 miles in 16 hours, including time for unloading; and what steps he proposes to take to render such a state of affairs impossible, in view both of the strain imposed on the drivers and the consequent danger to themselves and other users of the roads?
§ 41. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Transport if he has any information in regard to the long hours worked by motor-lorry drivers employed by a commercial road-transport firm in Bromley, Kent; if he is aware that the firm has been summoned for this offence; and whether he intends taking any action to prevent such offences in the interest of employés and the general public?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMMy attention has been called to these two cases, and I understand that both the firms in question were convicted and fined for contravening Section 19 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930. In the Bromley case I am informed that the fines and costs amounted to nearly £100. In the Oxford case notice of appeal has been given. I am not in a position to institute proceedings myself, but the better enforcement of the provisions of this Section will, I am sure, continue to engage the attention of the authorities concerned and the publicity afforded by eases such as those referred to in the hon. Members' questions should do much to secure their observance.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases employers are making lorry drivers break the law by compelling them to work 9, 10 and 11 hours at a stretch without any rest at all?