§ 51. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a report in connection with a firm of contractors at Hammersmith, who were fined £10 on each of two summonses and 1375 £3 5s. costs at Horncastle, Lincs., for causing a lorry driver to work more than 11 hours in 24 hours on 18th and 19th February and were also fined £2 for failing to cause records of journeys to be kept; whether he has received a report from Inspector Dodson in connection with this case; whether he is aware that the contractors have since dismissed the lorry driver without explanation; and whether he will take steps to withhold the granting of licences to contractors who violate the Road Traffic Act of 1933?
Captain HUDSONThis case had not previously been brought to my hon. Friend's notice. The granting of licences under the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, is a matter for the licensing authorities set up under that Act. Under Section 13 of that Act they have power in certain circumstances to revoke or suspend a, licence if the conditions attached to it have not been complied with. Also in considering any application for an A or B licence they are required to have regard to the previous conduct of the applicant in the capacity of a carrier of goods.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the man in question is a Government contractor, and does he not think that if contractors of this kind employ people for such long hours they should be struck off the Government contract list?
Captain HUDSONThis is a matter for the licensing authority, which is an independent authority set up by Parliament, and representation should be made to that authority and not to the Ministry.
§ Mr. THORNEWill not the Postmaster-General look into this matter, as it belongs to his Department?