§ 31. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the harmful effects on the business of seaside resorts caused by the regulations on drivers' hours introduced under the Transport Act, 1968; and if he will take action to remove them.
§ Mr. PeytonI would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Harborough (Mr. Farr) on 11th November.—[Vol. 806, c. 183–4.]
§ Mr. BlakerIs my right hon. Friend aware that I am grateful for the careful consideration which, I know, he is giving to this problem? Would he not agree that a distinction should be drawn between a long-distance lorry driver, who may very well have a long period of driving during his normal working day, and a coach driver on an outing to the seaside, who may be driving for only a relatively short time?
§ Mr. PeytonYes, Sir. I am obliged to my hon. Friend for the kind way in which he started his supplementary question. I am very conscious of the difficulty of 396 this problem and of the problem which is set for operators. I shall continue to give them very careful consideration.
§ Mr. KinnockIs the Minister aware, however, of the harmful effects that the previous driving system had not only upon the men employed, but upon their families? Will he, therefore, take steps to ensure that the present helpful legislation remains in existence?
§ Mr. PeytonLike other things, what the hon. Member describes as helpful legislation has advantages and disadvantages.