HC Deb 24 March 1942 vol 378 cc1784-5
6. Mr. Purbrick

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the cost of the damage done to Army motor vehicles, through accidents during the last three months for which the figlres are available?

Mr. Sandys

I regret that these figures are not available.

Mr. Purbrick

Is it not the view of the Financial Secretary that a considerable amount of damage is done and that a great deal of this is due to the excessive speed at which these vehicles are frequently driven? Would it not be possible to make some regulation to curtail the speed except in cases of urgency?

Mr. Sandys

In the statement which I made on the Committee stage of the Army Estimates I explained that the speed limits had been curtailed and that the matter was being further reviewed.

Major Lyons

Is it not a fact that the amount of damage is very much decreasing?

Mr. Sandys

I am afraid that it is not possible to say what the figure is, because at the beginning of the war, in order to save labour, the process of costing was discontinued in Army Ministry of Supply workshops.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Are the men who drive these lorries frequently warned of the regulation which is in force, because they are apt to forget it? The lorries are driven at very great speed in spite of the regulation.

Mr. Sandys

Action is being constantly taken to ensure that lorries are not driven at excessive speed.

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