§ 16 and 17. Colonel Wiggasked the Minister of War Transport (1) if he will give an assurance that operators will have the option of transferring the whole of their business at a fair rate of valuation in any nationalisation proposals, as some concern is felt among A and B Defence Permit holders regarding the future of small road-haulage businesses owing to their fear that operators would still be allowed to operate privately on a restricted mileage radius;
(2) can any indication be given to holders of C Defence Permits of the extent of future restrictions in the use of commercial vehicles operating in connection with their business.
§ Mr. BarnesI cannot at present go further than the Lord President's recent statement, or anticipate at this stage the legislative proposals which will in due course be laid before the House.
§ Colonel WiggIs my right hon. Friend aware that his refusal to give information particularly with regard to Class B holders, is causing a great deal of dismay and is holding up a great deal of useful development?
§ Mr. BarnesI do not consider it is anything of the kind. I think that most people understand the position, and it would only add to any difficulty my hon. and gallant Friend anticipates by beginning to deal with this problem piecemeal.