23. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of summonses issued in the Manchester county magistrates area since the beginning of the year against British Road Services, White City, Manchester, and its drivers, relating to excessive hours of driving; how many were proceeded with; and with what result.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)I have made inquiries and am informed that since 1st January, 1951, 288 summonses have been issued in the Manchester county magistrates' area against British Road Services, White City, Manchester, for permitting their drivers to exceed permitted hours. Of these, 22 have come up for hearing. There have been seven convictions and four dismissals; the remaining cases have been adjourned pending the determination by the High Court of an appeal in respect of one of the cases. The figures in respect of drivers are the same. Sixty-one drivers are involved.
Mr. Baker WhiteIs the Home Secretary aware that a statement was issued from the magistrates' county court that 576 summonses have been heard, and that all except three were adjourned indefinitely? Does "indefinitely" mean that there is a feather bed for British Road Services?
§ Mr. EdeNo, Sir. I think that what it means is that there is a similar case under appeal, that the decision in that might govern the decision in the remainder of the cases, and that they are adjourned until the High Court has reached a decision.
§ Mr. Peter ThorneycroftAre we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that if the appeal goes against British Road Services in this matter there will be no question of tolerating large-scale breaches of the law by a nationalised undertaking?