HC Deb 02 November 1955 vol 545 cc1023-4
42 and 43. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) what revised estimate of the loss to be incurred through the sale of vehicles he has made in view of the decision to allow the Transport Commission to retain additional vehicles;

(2) whether, in view of the proposed retention by the Transport Commission of vehicles additional to those permitted by the Transport Act, 1953, he is now able to announce the date of termination of the Transport Levy.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have no statement to make on these matters today.

Mr. Davies

Would not the Minister consider that he might make a fresh estimate of the loss, in view of the fact that there has been a change in Government policy in regard to disposal since the last one was made? Is it not a fact that British Road Services is now to be allowed to retain a larger number of vehicles, and what justification has the Minister for continuing to permit this loss to mount up, in the light of the present financial situation? How can he justify the recent offer for sale of B.R.S. (Parcels) Limited, which will involve some £10 million capital, in the light of the present credit squeeze and the latest Budget proposals?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I do not think those supplementary questions arise out of the original Question or the original Answer. All I said was that, on the subject of the Levy, I had no statement to make.

Mr. Davies

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when he will make a statement on these two matters?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Not today. Sir.