HC Deb 23 October 1940 vol 365 cc1033-4
22. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Transport whether he can now give the results of the circular letter which was sent out by the Ministry of Transport to the tollgate owners throughout the country in connection with the waiving of charges to the Home Guard and other members of His Majesty's Forces?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

Ninety-two cases are known, and inquiries have been completed in 84 cases. In 30 of these the tolls are statutory and members of His Majesty's Forces, including the Home Guard, on duty, are exempted by the Army and Air Force Acts. The remaining 54 cases are private tolls, and in 50 of them the owners have agreed for the duration of the war to exempt members of His Majesty's Forces on duty, though in a few instances the question of compensation has been raised. In four cases exemption has been refused. In one, the tolls are part of a trust estate, and the trustees state that they have no power to grant exemption. In another, the owners state that exemption was granted, but was withdrawn owing to damage committed. In another, the road is of little use, being unfit for traffic heavier than motor cycles. In the other, an arrangement has been made with the local military command to charge special rates for military traffic.

Mr. De la Bère

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman make every endeavour to bring these outstanding toll-gate owners into line and tell them that this is a national matter, and that the country will not stand for their small minor interests as opposed to the affairs of the services of the country?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

The hon. Member will appreciate that we have solved the main problem and all that remains is to tidy up the details.

Mr. Silverman

Will not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider whether these antediluvian arrangements could be abolished by Defence Regulations for the period of the war?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

I think that would be difficult.

Sir Herbert Williams

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware of the toll imposed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on all motorists by more than 50 per cent. since the war started?