§ 18. Captain Stricklandasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a company formerly owning 12 road vehicles who had two vans requisitioned on 7th September and three on 11th September by the Port of London Auhority, and four vans on nth September by the London County Council, for which nothing has yet been paid for hire; and whether he will state the reason for this delay?
§ Sir J. AndersonMy information is that no vehicles were requisitioned from the firm in question either by the Port of London Authority or the London County Council, but that they were obtained by voluntary arrangement on the initiative of the firm. Local authorities have been authorised to make payments in respect of vehicles representing substantial advances on account, and I am informed that the Port of London Authority made a payment on 8th November and that the London County Couuncil have also made a payment within the last few days.
§ Captain StricklandWill my right hon. Friend agree that both payments were made since this question was put down, and in view of the great hardships inflicted on many road operators, will he use his good offices so far as possible with local authorities to get a settlement. of these outstanding accounts?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have no reason to think that these payments were made otherwise than in the ordinary course, but I am aware that the delay that has occurred in making payments has involved a certain amount of hardship, and I am most anxious that payment should be made promptly.