HC Deb 01 December 1952 vol 508 c1102
57. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Chairman of the Road Haulage Association stated on 14th November that it is the Government's policy that all vehicles belonging to the Road Haulage Executive which are not sold in operable units or retained by the Commission will be sold off as chattels; and if, in view of his recent conversations with the Road Haulage Association, this speech was made with his authority.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I was not aware of this statement, but it seems to me to be a reasonable inference from the provisions of the Transport Bill.

Mr. Callaghan

Is not that as good as hoisting a signal to would-be buyers to hold off until these can be sold as scrap?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Certainly not. For reasons I have given and have already explained, and will explain during the Committee stage, there will be a strong incentive for people to buy businesses quickly in order to get the protection of the 25-mile limit being continued to their competitors.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the Minister satisfied that he will have a satisfactory amount of time during the Committee stage to deal with the point raised by my hon. Friend?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Yes, provided that attention is directed to the most important points.

Mr. D. Jones

Is it now the public policy of the Minister to use "stooges" outside this House to make his statements for him?