HC Deb 28 April 1965 vol 711 cc429-30
2. Mr. Buchan

asked the Minister of Transport what is the amount of the affiliation fees paid by British Road Services to the Road Haulage Association.

Mr. Tom Fraser

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Mr. Delargy) on 16th December.

Mr. Buchan

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the dissatisfaction of many workers in this industry and their anxiety that the affiliation fees being paid to the Road Haulage Association shall not be used in an anti-nationalisation campaign against the public interest, as was seen last year in respect of the steel industry when over£1 million was spent against the public interest?

Mr. Fraser

British Road Services have a special form of membership of the Road Haulage Association. They do not con- tribute at all to funds for political activities. The B.R.S. men are not eligible to be principal officers of the National Council or the area committees of the Association. Their membership is confined to participation in the discussions which the Road Haulage Association undertakes with the Ministry and other bodies in the promotion of road safety and standards of vehicle maintenance.