§ 21 Mr. Pargiterasked the Minister of Labour what steps he has taken during the past six months to obtain agreement between representatives of employers and employees as to the conditions to be applied for the raising of the legal speed limit for heavy goods vehicles; and whether, in view of the productivity angle involved, he will intensify his efforts to obtain a solution of this problem.
§ Sir W. MoncktonI have kept this matter under review in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation. As I have previously assured the House, we will be prepared, if necessary, to assist in the reaching of agreements by the parties concerned as soon as the time and circumstances are propitious.
§ Mr. PargiterDoes not the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that that is a very disappointing answer, especially in view of the transference of haulage to private enterprise and the possibility of the reintroduction of those practices which led many drivers in the direction of not observing the legal minimum? Does he realise the importance of getting a move on in this matter?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI fully appreciate the importance of choosing the right moment to get a move on. One of the things which we have to remember is that there is no question of my imposing a decision. I am asked to persuade, and I think I must be allowed, to some extent to choose the moment when that persuasion is likely to succeed.