HC Deb 26 May 1954 vol 528 cc390-1
32. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation which sections of the British Transport Commission's existing road haulage undertaking are being formed into companies with a view to the sale of their shares in accordance with Section 5 of the Transport Act, 1953, for which his approval has been sought because they consist of more than 50 vehicles.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

My approval is not required for the formation of companies under Section 5 of the Transport Act, 1953, consisting of more than 50 vehicles.

Mr. Davies

If companies are formed consisting of more than 50 vehicles, does not the Minister's authority have to be obtained? Is it not a fact that, having failed to dispose of the road haulage undertakings up to the present time—having sold less than 4,000 vehicles out of 34,000, compared with the 10,000 which he expected to sell by May—the Minister will have to resort to this means or else amend the Act?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, Sir. I am surprised that, after spending so many months over the Bill, the hon. Member did not know that the answer to his Question was "No" from the start.

33. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation in how many cases he has given his approval in accordance with Section 3 (3) of the Transport Act, 1953, for transport units offered for sale to include more than 50 vehicles.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have given approval under Section 3 (3) of the Transport Act, 1953, for the sale of one transport unit including more than 50 vehicles, and one with an aggregate unladen weight exceeding 200 tons.

Mr. Davies

Will the Minister with-hold his consent if an offer is received from a gentleman by the name of Dawson who is supposed to be in the market for the purchase of the parcels organisation of the British Road Haulage Service, because it is clear that the British Road Haulage Service is at the present time more experienced in the operation of road haulage than this gentleman, who seems to know more about fish than anything else?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have answered the Question on the Paper. It would be quite improper for me to deal with any possible individual applications.