HC Deb 14 July 1944 vol 401 cc2007-8
Mr. Ivor Thomas

(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that bombed out people are unable to move their furniture by road for distances in excess of 60 miles without obtaining a special permit from the Regional Transport Commissioner.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)

Yes, Sir. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for this opportunity of explaining some new arrangements which my Noble Friend has decided to make. In order to help those whose homes have been damaged by enemy action, road transport may, until further notice, be used to move household furniture from premises which have been damaged by bombs to destinations which are more than 60 miles away, and this may be done without any special permit from the Regional Transport Commissioner. This concession will operate in London and in other areas of Southern England which have been affected by enemy action. It will apply to vehicles coming into an affected area to collect furniture, as well as to local vehicles.

Mr. Thomas

While thanking my hon. Friend for the useful concession he has announced, may I ask him whether it will come into operation immediately? Further, as the success of this concession will depend upon the quantity of petrol available, will he from time to time, and in the light of experience, consult with the Department responsible, about the petrol needs of operators?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir. This comes into operation immediately, and petrol will be granted for this purpose.

Wing-Commander James

Will it apply to persons who have not been bombed out, but who have young children and are desirous of moving them?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I will ask my Noble Friend to consider that, but I think it will be difficult to find a test which would work properly, and we have for the present decided that this concession should be for those whose homes have been damaged by enemy action.

Mr. Driberg

Will applications from road haulage contractors for additional petrol be dealt with as expeditiously as possible, because there is sometimes delay?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, I will see that arrangements are made.

Mr. R. J. Taylor

Will any maximum prices be fixed in order to prevent exploitation of those who have been bombed out?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I do not think it is for my Department to fix maximum prices, but, as a rule, road transport prices are fairly reasonable for this kind of work.