§ 15. Mr. Leslieasked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the advisability of instructing area commissioners of transport to make garaging arrangements before requisitioning vehicles so as to prevent the leaving of vehicles in open fields and roadsides ex posed to all weather unfitting them for use when occasion calls for their service?
§ Captain WallaceI have no control over the impressment of vehicles for the armed forces; and my officers have not so far requisitioned vehicles except at the instance of local authorities or military units who thereupon become responsible for the conditions under which vehicles are taken over and returned. The Commissioners are not, therefore, in a position to take the action which the hon. Member suggests.
§ Mr. LeslieWould it not be advisable to advise local authorities to take care, especially in air raids, that, instead of vehicles being left on the side roads and becoming playthings for children and probably supplying accommodation for casuals, proper provision is made?
§ Captain WallaceI will certainly convey the suggestion of the hon. Member to my two right hon. colleagues who are concerned with the action of local authorities in this matter.