HC Deb 22 February 1933 vol 274 cc1728-9
29. Mr. PARKINSON

asked the Minister of Transport if he will furnish figures showing the number of prosecutions for breaches of the hours regulations for drivers of commercial lorries; and if his Department will take further measures to secure the enforcement of the law?

Mr. PYBUS

No figures are available for the country as a whole, but in the Metropolitan Police district action has been taken in five cases, three of which concerned public service vehicles. Convictions were obtained against the principals in all five cases. Proceedings are pending in one further case. With regard to the enforcement of the requirements of the law, I cannot add to my recent answer to the hon. Member for the Thirsk and Malton Division (Mr. Turton), I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this reply.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the observations of various magistrates have found their way into his Department, and, if so, what effect are those observations likely to have upon him?

Mr. MAXTON

Can the hon. Gentleman say why the figures are not available for the whole country? He has certain responsibilities under the law.

Mr. PYBUS

I think that question should in the first instance be addressed to another Department.

Mr. WILLIAMS

May I have an answer to my supplementary question?

Mr. PYBUS

I think the hon. Member had better put his question on the Order Paper.