HC Deb 18 October 1972 vol 843 c261
35. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what procedures are operated by his Department to enforce drivers' hours regulations observance by heavy goods vehicle drivers hired through private employment agencies.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

The same as for other lorry drivers—checks on the road and at operating bases.

Mr. Huckfield

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the existence of firms like Driver Hire and Manpower, which are trying to do for the lorry driver what Brook Street Bureau and Alfred Marks have done for the shorthand-typist? How will he make sure that they do not fiddle their log sheets, and how will he make sure that these people are sticking to the hours when he has to admit that many of them are doing other jobs apart from lorry driving?

Mr. Griffiths

About 100,000 records are checked annually. As regards Manpower, I have to tell the hon. Gentleman that we brought a successful prosecution.