HC Deb 16 November 1938 vol 341 cc877-8
74. Mr. W. A. Robinson

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will devise means whereby the owner is made responsible for actions under the law when the driver is compelled to take on the road a vehicle that is unsafe and where the driver may lose his job if he drives to the danger of the public in order to keep within the time tables laid down by the employer?

Captain Hudson

Apart from any direct breach of Statute which the owner might commit in the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers, he may be liable to be charged with aiding and abetting an offence. If the hon. Member will let my right hon. Friend have details of any particular case that he has in mind, he will look into the matter.

Mr. Robinson

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether they have not had reports from magistrates as to the very great difficulty in administering justice when a driver pleads guilty of having had to drive at a dangerous speed but will not give his employer's name away for fear of dismissal? Have not the magistrates to mete out justice under most difficult circumstances, and has the hon. and gallant Gentleman any information on that point?

Captain Hudson

This is primarily a matter for the Chairmen of the Traffic Commissioners, who are, as the House knows, independent of this House. Of course, they have certain powers of withdrawing licences or not renewing them.

Mr. Macquisten

Will my hon. and gallant Friend find out the names of these employers?