§ 71. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Transport in connection with the case of Messrs. Clarke's Bread Company, Limited, of Fonthill Road, Hove, who were prosecuted by the traffic commissioners for breaches of the road traffic regulations, how many summonses were issued for permitting men to drive for more than 11 hours in 24; how many summonses were issued for allowing men to drive for more than 5½ hours without one hour's rest; how many summonses were issued for allowing men to drive without at least 10 hours' consecutive rest in 24; what was the total amount of fines imposed in connection with these breaches of the law; and what action he intends taking in the matter?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am informed that the following offences were alleged:
| Permitting driving for more than 11 hours in 24 | 135 |
| Permitting driving for continuous periods exceeding 5½ hours | 93 |
| Permitting conditions under which persons driving had less than 10 consecutive hours for rest in 24 | 5 |
| 233 |
§ The total amount of the fines imposed was £699, or with costs £821 odd. The requisite action appears to have been taken in the manner prescribed by law.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in consequence of the disorganised state of the men in 1202 many of these industries we are unable to get the records of the hours worked?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe hon. Member can hardly put that question after the answer I have given. It is clear that this firm was fined a considerable amount of money in a prosecution. It is the desire of Parliament to see that the law is observed and every practical step will be taken to that end.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the commissioner reported the firm and not the men in question, because they are afraid to make a report lest they should be victimised?
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of taking powers to impose cumulative penalties, and has he not enough experience of the working of the Act to enable him to take steps to reduce the very long hours that are now being worked on the roads?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe hours are limited by law, and Parliament has done its best in that respect. It is true that men are naturally reluctant to give information, but I do not see how that could be overcome by any Act of Parliament.