HC Deb 14 March 1945 vol 409 cc235-6
64. Mr. Liddall

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will state the number of deputies to regional transport commissioners who have been appointed during the war; how many are part time only; what are their duties whilst the commissioners are themselves functioning; to what extent the cessation of all public inquiries has resulted in a decrease in the work of the regions; and whether he will now consider the determination of all appointments as deputies.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Five full-time and eight part-time Deputy Regional Transport Commissioners have been appointed during the war. Their duties vary from region to region. The Regional Transport Commissioners are an essential and most important part of my Ministry's war-time organisation, and as such they have undertaken many new or extended functions; these have more than offset the decrease of work which has resulted from the temporary cessation of public inquiries.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

Does that number include Commissioners appointed in Scotland?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Liddall

What duties do they perform?

Mr. Noel-Baker

They have been rationing fuel, dealing with haulage organisation, allocating new vehicles among many claimants, dealing with man-power, vehicle repairs and shortage of spare parts, and allocating traffic.