HC Deb 22 December 1954 vol 535 cc2757-8
43. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the number of transport units so far disposed of and the number of vehicles contained therein.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Twelve thousand and fifty-four vehicles have been sold up to 21st December: 11,652 in 4,103 units, and 402 in three companies.

Mr. Davies

Does not this show that the average size of the units is from two to three vehicles? Does he appreciate that this continued fragmentation of the industry is giving very considerable concern both to industry, which is finding it increasingly difficult to secure the service which it requires, and also to those existing road hauliers who are finding that the small people who are coming in are flouting the law?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I do not accept that any particular class of road user is flouting the law. No doubt the hon. Member is pleased to see the considerable progress in sales which has taken place since he asked a Question on this subject on 6th December.

Mr. H. Morrison

Apart from the fundamental question of policy which divides the Government and the Opposition, is it not a case that these sales have now reached rather a dribble and that the Government and industry are likely to be in a situation in which they are getting the worst of both worlds? Had the right hon. Gentleman not better contemplate calling a halt by saying, "These go to private enterprise and those that are unsold can go to the British Transport Commission"? Would that not be a sensible and rational thing to do in the circumstances?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I would not agree with the right hon. Gentleman when he describes as a dribble a sale of 2,047 lorries in five weeks.

Mr. Davies

Is it not a fact that these vehicles can only be sold if they are sold at a trickle, that is to say, purchased by those who buy one, two or three vehicles, and that it was never the intention of the Act that sales should take place in this way and the industry be atomised?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to await the termination of this matter, but it will be recalled that it was clearly stated from this Box that it was the intention of the Act to give the small man an opportunity to return to this industry.