§ 66. Mr. Wakefieldasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what instructions have been given to regional transport commissioners as to the issue of warning letters to persons who have been convicted and acquitted, respectively, by the courts.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerNo instructions have been given to regional transport commis- 852 sioners about sending warning letters to persons or firms who have been convicted in the misuse of fuel. As I am sure my hon. Friend will agree, it is important that when any firm has been so convicted, they should immediately take steps to ensure that their employees fully understand the Regulations in force and the gravity of offences which involve waste of fuel. I hope he will also agree that commissioners shauld have discretion suitably to remind such firms of their duty in this regard.
§ Mr. WakefieldIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is a feeling in the country that these regional transport commissioners are arrogating to themselves powers of the courts of justice; and will he take steps to see that this tendency is discontinued?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWe have had many hundreds of convictions and this is the first complaint that there has ever been about a warning letter. The regional commissioners have a duty to control the use of fuel, and if necessary to stop the issue of fuel, or even to revoke licences, whether there are court proceedings or not.