HC Deb 25 October 1944 vol 404 cc172-3
70. Mr. Keeling

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether the former owners of requisitioned lorries will be given the opportunity to buy them back direct from the requisitioning authority.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I understand that my hon. Friend has particularly in mind the re-purchase of lorries acquired by local authorities for Civil Defence. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Home Security has recently made arrangements with local authorities about the disposal of Civil Defence vehicles which are no longer required. Under these arrangements if a former owner desires to buy back his lorry, he should inquire from the local authority whether the vehicle is for sale and is in serviceable condition. If these conditions are fulfilled, he should then apply to the Regional Transport Commissioner for permission to buy.

Mr. Keeling

Does that mean that his request will be granted if those conditions are fulfilled?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Provided he has a need for a vehicle which he can use in the public interest. Certainly, in the circumstances which my hon. Friend outlined to me in the letter he wrote, the Regional Transport Commissioner would endeavour to do what was asked.

Mr. Keeling

If a request is not made until after the war, must it then be in the public interest?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, it is under the Acts of Parliament.