HC Deb 02 February 1944 vol 396 cc1253-4
13. Mr. McKinlay

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what qualification must be fulfilled before a road haulage firm can become a controlled undertaking under the Road Haulage Organisation.

Mr. Noel-Baker

The Road Haulage Organisation requires the vehicles to carry, and the office and accounting staff to organise, the long-distance traffic which my Noble Friend has taken under his control. My Noble Friend has, therefore, selected for control undertakings which can provide the vehicles and the office staff at the places where he needs them.

Mr. McKinlay

Is it not a fact that the controlled undertakings have just as much power over the hiring companies, who are not masters of their own households and have to comply with their instructions?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir. But the controlled undertakings have to comply with our instructions.

14. Mr. McKinlay

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the number of road haulage firms in Scotland which are controlled undertakings; the number of vehicles operated by each firm at the commencement of the scheme and the number being operated by such firms on the last available date; and the number of hired firms acquired by controlled undertakings during the same period.

Mr. Noel-Baker

There are 53 controlled haulage undertakings, the head offices of which are in Scotland. When these undertakings came under control, they operated a total of 1,916 vehicles. They now operate 1,953 vehicles. Three undertakings which had vehicles on hire to the Ministry have been acquired by a controlled undertaking since the control began. If my hon. Friend so desires, I will send him particulars of the vehicles operated by each individual undertaking.

Mr. McKinlay

That is the information I want, and which I asked for in the Question. Is there any reason why we should not get an answer?

Mr. Noel-Baker

No, Sir, but it would involve a great number of statistics and figures, and I should have to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I will do that if the hon. Member wishes.

Mr. McKinlay

In giving that information, will my hon. Friend give the circumstances concerning the acquisition of hiring firms by controlled undertakings? And is it not a fact that the hiring people are being pushed out of business and getting nothing for it at all?

Mr. Noel-Baker

As a general proposition that is certainly not true, but I will gladly look into any cases that my hon. Friend cares to send me.