§ 36. Mr. John Lewisasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that drivers of private-hire vehicles are working unreasonable hours; and if he is prepared to introduce legislation to extend the existing provisions of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, limiting the hours of work of drivers of service and heavy-goods vehicles, to cover the hours of work of drivers of private-hire vehicles.
§ Mr. BarnesI have received representations to the effect that the hours worked by drivers of private-hire vehicles are in some cases excessive. Apart from the fact that conditions are still far from normal in this type of transport, any scheme of control over private-hire vehicles, of which statutory control of hours could only be part, would involve legislation, and of this I see no early prospect.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Minister aware that thousands of men are being exploited in this way every day; and will he bear in mind that the interim report in 1939 of the inter-Departmental committee on cabs and private-hire vehicles recommended that conditions as to hours of duty should be attached to the licences involved?
§ Mr. BarnesYes, Sir. I have very great sympathy with the point of view which the hon. Member has expressed, and I consider there is substance in it. However, it requires legislation, of which, as I have indicated, at the moment I see no prospect.