HC Deb 15 March 1961 vol 636 cc1397-8
34. Mrs. Slater

asked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied that sufficient powers exist to prevent lorry drivers working excessive hours; and what plans he has for strengthening the law in this regard.

Mr. Marples

I think that existing powers are adequate for this purpose.

Mrs. Slater

May I point out that I still represent the constituency of Stoke-on-Trent, and not Sedgefield as would appear from the Order Paper? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that some employers bring very heavy pressure to bear on lorry drivers to work excessive hours and, because of that, log books are very often not properly filled up? Is he aware that this is unfair to the lorry drivers and to the people who use the roads because these men who travel for very long hours are a positive danger on the roads?

Mr. Marples

I think that the penalties and the powers are adequate and the licensing authorities have a last extreme penalty for frequent and wilful breaches of the law. The authority can suspend or revoke the carrier's licence of the owner of the vehicle. If the hon. Lady has a case in mind which she thinks ought to be investigated, I hope that she will send me details.

Mr. Speaker

I am sorry that the hon. Lady the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Mrs. Slater) was translated in brackets on the Order Paper, but I am sure that it would not deceive her constituents who know her so well.

Mr. Mellish

Is the Minister aware that the unions are very much concerned about this problem? They do not argue about the penalty so much, but they say that there are not enough inspectors employed by the right hon Gentleman's Department on the roads to follow up offences. Will the right hon. Gentleman please look at the matter again and consult the unions concerned?

Mr. Marples

The unions came to see me the other day. They made representations on this general subject, but I will certainly ask for their specific views. In 1960, there were 3,500 convictions for offences relating to hours and 8,200 convictions for offences relating to records and, therefore, I think that the enforcements must be reasonably adequate.