HC Deb 28 March 1949 vol 463 c822
27. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport the average monthly increase in C licences during 1948.

Mr. Callaghan

Eight thousand six hundred net.

28. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport the number of C licences issued during 1948, the number outstanding, and the number of C licence operators at 31st December, 1948, and at the latest available date.

Mr. Callaghan

The net number of additional vehicles for which C licences were issued during 1948 was 103,365. I do not know the number of outstanding applications but it is small. The total number of C licence operators was 311,811 with 590,516 vehicles at 31st December, 1948, and 315,279 with 597,698 vehicles at the end of January, 1949.

Mr. Davies

In view of the fact that the number of C licences has increased during 1948 in the same proportion as during 1947, can my hon. Friend inform me whether his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport has completed his exhaustive inquiry, which he promised last June, into the cause of the increase, and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Mr. Callaghan

That seems to be another Question.

Mr. Peter Thorneycroft

In view of the lack of any assurance being given so far to this last remaining freedom in the transport world, may we have an assurance from the Government that they will resist this attack on the C licence holder?

Mr. Callaghan

The Question asked for the number of C licences.