§ 33. Mr. A. Edward Daviesasked the Minister of Transport when he expects to present to the House Her Majesty's Government's proposals for the future of the road haulage industry.
§ Mr. MaclayI am not yet in a position to add to the statement made by my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary on 12th November during the debate on the Address.
§ Mr. DaviesCould the Minister tell us when he expects to be able to advance this matter?
§ Mr. MaclayI cannot add to the statement I have just made.
§ 35. Mr. James Callaghanasked the Minister of Transport, in view of Her Majesty's Government's promised legislation on the subject of road haulage, how many road hauliers whose businesses were in process of being acquired when the present Government took office, have taken advantage of the offer to suspend the course of negotiations.
§ Mr. MaclayI am informed by the British Transport Commission that 63 of the 95 hauliers concerned accepted the Commission's offer of postponement of the vesting date for six months.
§ Mr. CallaghanAs the 63 operators were in a more favourable position than many thousands who have been either acquired or are being restricted to the 25-mile limit, can the Minister tell the House what steps he will take to bring this favourable position to an end?
§ Mr. MaclayThat is another question which does not arise directly out of the Question on the Order Paper.