§ 38. Squadron-Leader Sir Gifford Foxasked the Minister of War Transport whether he is aware that those who applied for licences for vans prior to 1st January, 1946, are worse off as the result of the breakdown of the scheme; and what 15 steps he will take to ensure that they get first priority over those who made no application.
§ 85. Major Niall Macphersonasked the Minister of War Transport what steps he has taken to ensure that applications for permits for the purchase of vehicles which were forwarded, prior to 31st December, 1945, to his Department with the support of Regional Transport Commissioners receive priority from motor manufacturers over applications not so supported, or made on or after 1st January, 1946.
§ Mr. BarnesIt would be impracticable to arrange for applicants to whom a licence to acquire was not issued to have priority of delivery as suggested. I cannot accept the statement that the scheme broke down. I withdrew this control in view of the increased production anticipated this year.
§ Sir G. FoxIs the Minister aware that many people have waited for from six to nine months for licences for these vans and that as the result they feel that chaos in his Department is responsible for the consequences they are suffering now?
§ Mr. BarnesI am aware of course of the long waiting list for these cars, but I deny that there is any chaos arising from my decision to decontrol, and the hon. Member might now direct some of his energies to gingering up private enterprise in the production of these vans.