§ 41. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the number of officers employed full time by his Department in enforcement of provisions of the Road Traffic Acts relating to goods vehicles and public service vehicles; and how far the number falls short of establishment.
§ Mr. NugentOne hundred examiners are at present engaged full-time on enforcement, including 97 who are permanently so employed. The three vacancies which have recently occurred in the complement of 100 permanent enforcement staff will be filled shortly.
§ Mr. DaviesWhile welcoming the fact that 100 are now employed on this work, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman considers that this is an adequate number in view of the increasing evidence of the infringement of statutory regulations, especially in regard to the keeping of records and the hours of work? Is not it a fact that up and down the country there is an increase, of which the Minister is now well aware?
§ Mr. NugentI am not sure that there is an increase, except in so far as it is in proportion to the increase in the number of vehicles. We certainly accept that 390 more enforcement officers are necessary. As soon as we have disposed of the backlog of driving test applications and have recruited the 200 extra examiners whom we are now recruiting, I hope that we shall be able to make an allocation of 50 of those officials on to this enforcement work. I hope that that may be possible before the end of the year.
§ Mr. DaviesIf the hon. Gentleman is not yet convinced of the increase in the flouting of the law in this respect, will he consult the chairmen of the Traffic Commissioners, who on many occasions recently have drawn attention to the deterioration of conditions on the roads due to the non-observance of the Act?
§ Mr. NugentThey do not all say that by any means. We are in consultation with them.