HC Deb 06 July 1955 vol 543 cc1111-2
22. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will give instructions that in all serious accidents involving motor lorries on trunk roads, inquiries shall be made as to how long the drivers have been on duty during the previous twenty-four hours.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I understand that it is the normal practice of the police to make such inquiries in all serious accidents involving motor lorries.

Mr. Hastings

What use is the right hon. Gentleman making of the information which he could so obtain from the police? Is he aware that it is freely stated that many of these lorry drivers are working far too long hours?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think that we can rely on the police if, in the course of their investigations, they find that there is any indication of a breach of the law, to take the normal steps.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is commonly alleged that drivers are driving for 23 hours at a stretch? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Yes, they were doing it before the Act was passed. Is there no method of discovering drivers who are driving dangerously long hours and trying to put a stop to that, as these things lead to accidents?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That raises the wider question of records and the inspection of records. I think that the right hon. Gentleman will agree that that does not arise out of the Question, which relates expressly to accidents.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Does my right hon. Friend not think that if these drivers were allowed to travel at 30 m.p.h. the number of hours during which the men would have to drive would be reduced?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That is a hypothetical question.