HC Deb 15 July 1947 vol 440 cc208-9
27. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied that Army vehicles are not driven, save in the course of properly supervised training, by men suffering from lack of sleep; and what redress is afforded to the public in cases of accidents resulting from drivers suffering from excessive fatigue.

Mr. Bellenger

It is the duty of commanding officers to ensure that the operation of Army vehicles is properly supervised at all times, which includes ensuring that men are employed on driving duties only for reasonable periods. I have no reason to believe that this duty is not being generally carried out. A member of the public who is the victim of such an accident has the right to sue the driver and provided that he was on duty it is the practice of my Department to stand behind him and provide any funds which may be required by the settlement.

Major Legge-Bourke

Would the right hon Gentleman look into the circumstances of the case which happened at Slough? Is he aware that in that case the jury returned a verdict of "misadventure" and added a rider that the driver was negligent owing to lack of sleep?

Mr. Bellenger

I am now looking into that.