HC Deb 14 October 1946 vol 427 c594
18. Sir John Mellor

asked the Minister of Transport whether, having regard to the abolition of the Government's road haulage organisation and to the revocation of the Road Transport of Goods Order, 1944, he will take steps to rescind Regulation 73B as being no longer necessary

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)

In my reply to the hon. Member for Monmouth (Mr. P. Thorneycroft) on 8th July, I explained that Defence Regulation 73B would remain in force in case of any breakdown of the arrangements made with the Road Haulage Association.

Sir J. Mellor

Does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate any breakdown?

Mr. Barnes

I do not anticipate any breakdown, and I think this regulation is an assurance that there will not be any.

Lieut.-Colonel Dower

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the existence and maintenance of the regulation causes a considerable amount of worry to road hauliers, and, as it is doubtful whether any future proposal to nationalise the industry will become law, why does not the right hon. Gentleman abolish the regulation altogether?

Mr. Barnes

I am not aware of any worry on this account, but, on the second point, possibly, yes.

Mr. Peter Thorneycroft

What sort of breakdown has the right hon. Gentleman in mind? This sort of regulation only stops lorries from running.

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