HC Deb 23 June 1952 vol 502 c1823
8. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Transport the sum of money owing, at 1st May, 1952, to former operators in the road haulage industry in respect of vehicles nationalised under the 1947 Act; and when this money will be paid.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

It is estimated that some £16,500,000 is still owing to former operators of road haulage undertakings acquired by the British Transport Commission compulsorily or by agreement. In a number of cases where provisional ascertainments of compensation have recently been completed, payment will be made in the near future. The major part of the total outstanding relates to cases where final agreement cannot be reached until further information is supplied by the transferors or where the approval of the Transport Arbitration Tribunal has yet to be obtained.

Mr. Nabarro

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that a large number of the claimants are people who will wish to repurchase the operable units of transport, and that unless he provides them with the necessary funds to repurchase these operable units they will be financially embarrassed? Will he finalise the matter at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I think that the transfer of money is proceeding quite smoothly. Sixty-one million pounds have already been paid out. A number of legal points exist now which complicate any speedy solution, but I will press on as fast as I can.

Mr. Ernest Davies

In view of the possibility of road hauliers purchasing back their businesses, in accordance with Government policy, would it not be advisable for payment to be suspended?

Mr. Poole

Let us have a standstill now.