HC Deb 27 October 1965 vol 718 cc153-4
41. Wing Commander Sir E. Bullus

asked the Minister of Transport how many heavy lorries have been spot checked by his Department since this scheme of safety checks was inaugurated; how many were found to be defective; and what steps he has taken against the offenders.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Stephen Swingler)

In the two years up to the end of September, during which spot checks have been intensified, about 239,000 goods vehicles have been checked. Prohibition notices were issued for about 108,000 of these. These prohibit the use of a vehicle unless it is repaired within a set period. Where necessary, the prohibition is made immediately effective and this was done in 25,000 cases.

The licensing authorities may suspend the carriers' licences of operators whose vehicles are repeatedly found defective. Owners and drivers may also be prosecuted in appropriate cases.

Sir E. Bullus

Are not these figures truly alarming? Would the Minister tell us what steps he has taken to ensure that the gravest sanctions are applied to these criminal offenders?

Mr. Swingler

These figures are very serious. That is the reason why my right hon. Friend has decided to extend obligatory testing to heavy goods vehicles and why plans are now being prepared for the introduction of that scheme. At the same time, a substantial number of summonses has been issued in relation to this. Up to the year ended 30th September, 1964, which is the latest for which I have figures, over 4,000 summonses were issued and prosecutions were mostly successful.

Mr. Snow

In the meantime, will my hon. Friend read carefully the evidence given at Stafford Assizes a few days ago in the case of the prosecution against John Brown, where there was a serious loss of life, including four children, in an accident in which the driver was held by the court to be criminally responsible?

Mr. Swingler

We will pay serious attention to that. We are continually examining these reports and we know how urgent it is to make this system more effective.

Mr. Webster

Will the Parliamentary Secretary say to what extent the licensing authorities have, in recent months, been encouraged to use their powers of revocation and suspension under the 1953 Act? What steps is he taking to make an impression upon these people to use the powers which already exist?

Mr. Swingler

The licensing authorities have been using their powers increasingly. We shall certainly take any steps we can in order to make this system more effective, pending the introduction of annual testing.