HC Deb 17 January 1968 vol 756 c1769
32. Mr. Webster

asked the Minister of Transport when the proposed carrier licensing authority is examining the criteria of reliability, what allowance will be made for industrial disputes.

Mr. Carmichael

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a similar Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Knutsford (Sir W. Bromley-Davenport) on 27th October, 1967.—[Vol. 751, c. 582.]

Mr. Webster

To what extent will strikes on the routes concerned be taken into account?

Mr. Carmichael

Strikes will, of course, be taken into account. There will be special authorisation. I think it should be remembered that only a small part of road haulage will be controlled by the quantity licence. There should be plenty of capacity available to cope with short-term disputes, and short-term licences will, in any case, be given freely during such a dispute.