HC Deb 18 May 1953 vol 515 cc1687-8
32. Sir L. Ropner

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to farmers by the law which necessitates that a tractor and trailer must bear the same registration number; and whether he will take steps to authorise farmers with more than one tractor to use the same trailer with each.

Mr. Braithwaite

There is nothing to prevent farmers with more than one tractor using any trailer, so long as that trailer exhibits the same registration number as the tractor drawing it. I cannot agree that any trailer should be allowed to bear a registration number different from that of the tractor drawing it.

Sir L. Ropner

Is that not a typical Departmental reply? Is it not a fact that a registration number is simply for the purpose of identification? Why cannot there be a tractor with a different trailer number?

Mr. Braithwaite

My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that if a farmer wishes to operate a trailer from time to time with different vehicles he can change the number plate of the trailer.