§ 59. Mr. A. Reedasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the examiners of the Traffic Commissioners are in the habit of taking away from firms original record sheets for the purpose of instituting proceedings in the court and so making it difficult for the owners to place original documents before their solicitors who may have to defend them; whether this action has his approval; and whether, in view of Section 16, Clause 4, of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, he will see that instructions are given to the police and the licensing authorities that original documents should not be taken away but, if necessary, that the officers should take copies for their requirements?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThis is not a matter as to which I have any jurisdiction or power to issue instructions.
§ Mr. ReedDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is a satisfactory procedure that officials should be able to go into offices and take away private papers, and if he has no power to stop such proceedings can he tell me who has?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaA reference to the Act will show where the power lies. 1184 20 tons capacity, respectively, were put into service during each of the last five years?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaAs the answer contains a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The information in my possession relates to the unladen weight of motor goods vehicles and not to their carrying capacity. The numbers of mechanically-propelled goods-carrying road vehicles exceeding 1 ton unladen weight registered for the first time under the Roads Act, 1920, during each of the last five years were as follow:
§ Mr. ReedAfter a careful reading of the Act it appears that the power is with the Minister of Transport. Can he give us any information on the subject?