HC Deb 15 May 1957 vol 570 cc400-1
51. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many officers of his Department normally engaged on enforcement of the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts are now engaged on other duties, including petrol rationing; and when it is proposed they shall return to their normal duties.

Mr. Nugent

Ninety-four officers who would otherwise have been employed on enforcement of the Road Traffic Acts have been engaged hitherto on work arising from fuel rationing. They are now being released as quickly as possible to return to enforcement work.

Mr. Davies

Is the Minister aware that, during the period of petrol rationing, it has not been possible for the enforcement officers even to inquire into a large number of alleged contraventions, particularly of Section 19 of the 1930 Act regarding the keeping of records and continuous working? Will he ascertain whether there are sufficient officers now engaged in this important work, as breaches of the law are, unfortunately, increasing at the present time?

Mr. Nugent

It is, of course, true that they have not been able to give their normal attention to that work, but they will be doing so now at full strength, and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that their numbers are adequate for the responsibilities that they have.