HC Deb 24 October 1949 vol 468 cc983-4
6. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Transport when the regulations under Section 101 (1) of the Transport Act, 1947, requiring the Commission to pay compensation to officers in certain cases, where they suffer loss of employment or loss or diminution of emoluments or pension rights or where their position is worsened, will be laid before the House; what are the reasons for the delay; and what compensation is being paid to officers or servants who suffer loss meantime.

Mr. Barnes

Regulations under this section providing compensation for officers and servants of the railways, the canals, and the railway clearing house have already been made. The further regulations required to be made under the section are in preparation and will be laid before the House as soon as possible. These regulations deal with sections of the transport industry which have no precedents of compensation such as existed for the railways, and their preparation has, therefore, taken longer. As regards the last part of the Question, the British Transport Commission have no power to pay compensation until regulations have been made.

Mr. De la Bère

Is the Minister aware that many of these splendid officers of the road transport undertakings are in very grave doubt and anxiety as to where they stand? Is it not vitally necessary that they should have the facts made clear to them at the earliest date, and that if they have been occasioned any loss, it should be made good to them?

Mr. Barnes

I am certainly aware of the situation, but the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that in drafting regulations covering these sections of the industry, which I emphasised have no precedents, it is very desirable to consult all the interests affected, and the proposals are now under consideration and are awaiting their views.