§ 27. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Transport what action he intends to take in view of the case of a lorry driver who was charged at Cardiff Police Court on 27th March with driving more than five-and-a-half hours at a time and more than 11 hours in 24 hours, and failing to take 10 hours' rest in 24 hours; whether he is aware that his log book showed that he had worked for 16½ hours with only half an hour for lunch and many other similar offences; that this man, when he complained to his employers, a Liverpool firm, was told that if he did not like the conditions he could get out, and when charged with the present offence he was discharged by his employers; and whether he will take steps to ensure that enough time is allowed for long-distance journeys so that drivers are not compelled to exceed the speed limit or to work such long hours at a stretch?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am of course not empowered to take any action in a case heard in the ordinary course before magistrates. Employers who fail to observe the law in this respect are liable to prosecution, and I understand that in this particular case steps have been taken with a view to instituting further proceedings.
§ Mr. DAVID GRENFELLWill the Minister consider suspending the service in cases of repeated offences by the same employers?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI do not know that I have power to do that. The law has endeavoured to protect the driver by limiting his hours, and it is most undesirable that any employer should abuse his authority.
§ Mr. THORNEHas the Minister power to call for the time-table of running, say, between Birmingham and Liverpool? If so, he will see with his own eyes that drivers are compelled to exceed the 20 miles speed limit to do the journey.