HC Deb 30 April 1941 vol 371 cc413-4
12. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a considerable number of privately-owned motor cars used by members of the Forces, both officers and other ranks, have no current licence; and whether he is aware that in the area of one county council nearly one-third of the unlicensed cars which were observed belonged to the above-mentioned category; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The Minister of Transport (Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon)

I am informed that in the licensing area to which my hon. Friend refers, about one-quarter of the cases reported this year concerned members of the Forces. Proceedings were ordered in all but two of these cases, in which a mitigated penalty was imposed. Action is taken by the licensing authorities in all appropriate cases reported.

Sir H. Williams

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend draw the attention of the Air Ministry, the War Office and the Admiralty to this matter?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

No, Sir, I could not do that; this was done by private people.

Mr. Leach

Does not the Minister think that in the national interest there are far too many private motor cars on the road?

Mr. Speaker

That does not arise on this Question.