HC Deb 17 November 1947 vol 444 cc787-8
17. Mr. Gerald Williams

asked the Minister of Transport if he will allow the delivery of farm produce, including firelogs, to be carried out by tractors holding a 5s. licence.

Mr. Callaghan

The purposes for which agricultural tractors licensed at the 5s, rate may be used are governed by the Finance Acts, and my right hon. Friend has no power to extend them.

Mr. Williams

Will the Parliamentary Secretary get into touch with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that at the moment concern is felt as the public wants firewood for fires, the farmers have the wood, and, though they are allowed to take their tractors on the roads, they cannot drop a bag of wood at the cottage of somebody who wants it?

Mr. Callaghan

I will gladly look into it again, but there were very good reasons for imposing these restrictions originally.

Mr. Williams

There are very good reasons for changing them now.