HC Deb 14 July 1954 vol 530 cc470-1
48. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that the number of commercial vehicles operating in the district of Coventry has been reduced by the removal of British Road Services vehicles to other parts of the country, following purchase under the disposal scheme; and if he will make an investigation into the present position in the Midlands area.

Mr. Molson

I understand that of the limited number of vehicles offered for sale in the Coventry district, 29 have been sold and only a few of these will be based outside the district. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the British Transport Commission are making their arrangements in this area with full regard to their duty to do so without avoidable disturbance of the transport system.

Miss Burton

If I send the hon. Member some information from Coventry which seems to be in conflict with his statement, is he prepared to look into the matter? We think that this is affecting commercial transport in that area.

Mr. Molson

We will certainly look into it and do anything we can to facilitate matters.

Mr. Ernest Davies

How is it that some vehicles can be based outside the area when it is required under the Act that they should operate from the same bases and carry on precisely the same service? That assurance was given while the Bill was passing through the House—that these services would be continued and that the licensing authority would see that they were not removed from their bases.

Mr. Molson

It is a question of how far they are removed. It is not obligatory under the Act for the purchaser to employ them in exactly the same places whenever they do on to the road.