§ 1. Lieutenant William Shepherdasked the Minister of War Transport whether there has been any reduction in the empty running time of road transport vehicles operating under his control, since the figures last stated.
§ The Minister of War Transport (Mr. Barnes)Sample analyses show that between June, 1944, and July, 1945, in spite of wide fluctuations in traffic, the average empty mileage figure had remained at approximately its previous level, and such later information as is available does not indicate that there has been any material change.
§ Lieutenant ShepherdIs the Minister aware that this means that, owing to this control, one in five of our transport vehicles is being wasted, and will he take steps to bring this control to an end at once?
§ Mr. BarnesI am aware that in all road transport undertakings there is a certain wastage. The wastage now is less than it used to be.