HC Deb 28 April 1970 vol 800 cc1038-9
20. Mr. Eadie

asked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received from employers and trade unions in Scotland as a consequence of the restriction of drivers' hours provided for in the Transport Act, 1968.

Mr. Mulley

My hon. Friend has passed on to me a memorandum from a haulage firm. I have received no other representations from individual employers or trade unions in Scotland.

Mr. Eadie

Is my right hon. Friend quite satisfied that there is no misunderstanding among employers and employees about the workings of this aspect of the Act?

Mr. Mulley

I dare say that some misunderstandings may remain. All that I can say is that my Department has done all it can to make information available. Employers have known that the new hours and rules would come into force because they were part of the 1968 Act.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the difficulties caused through the carriage of livestock over long distances in Scotland? While safety must be paramount, can he say when the meeting is to take place which has been arranged between the officials and members of the trade associations, about which the Minister has written me? Is he aware that this is an urgent matter into which some flexibility should now be introduced?

Mr. Mulley

An hon. Member has a Question down later. I am shortly arranging for a meeting in Scotland and if, as a result of that meeting between the associations, the Scottish Office and my Department, an urgent need for action is revealed we will obviously consider it.