§ 48. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the total number of vehicles disposed of by sale, under the Transport Act, 1953, up to 28th February, 1955.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterA total of 12,697 up to 28th February, and 13,482 up to 11th March, the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. JonesIn view of the fact that the rate of disposal of these vehicles seems to be slackening, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it time to give up this nonsense, and look at the matter again?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterBefore the hon. Gentleman reaches a conclusion about the rate slackening, he would perhaps be wise to await the lists now coming forward for sale during the spring.
§ 51. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he can yet give an estimate of the further length of time it will take to dispose of all the vehicles due to be disposed of under the Transport Act, 1953.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. JonesHaving regard to the fact that his predecessor anticipated that this would be completed by December, 1953, and that we are now in March, 1955,how much longer does the right hon. Gentleman think he is going to keep trade and commerce in this country in doubt about the eventual pattern of road services?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe hon. Gentleman's supplementary question only shows how wise I am not to prophesy.
§ Mr. CallaghanIs it not the case that if the Minister goes on at the present rate it will take anything up to seven or eight years to dispose completely of these lorries, and how much longer is the country to put up with this particular piece of nonsense?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI do not think the hon. Gentleman's mathematics are correct, and I do not draw the same conclusion from the facts as he does.