HC Deb 24 July 1996 vol 282 c432

9.3 pm

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich)

The right to petition the House of Commons is a very important one which is not lightly abandoned by anyone. Therefore, I am delighted to present to the House tonight a petition on behalf of a small group of important people who run the north western traffic area office in Manchester.

Those hon. Members who know the transport industry know that traffic commissioners are responsible for maintaining and enforcing the laws that keep our constituents safe in relation to public service vehicles, buses and heavy lorries. They have now been told that they are to lose their jobs and that the work is to go elsewhere.

The petition reads: To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament Assembled. The Humble Petition of the people of Manchester and elsewhere sheweth that we wish to register strong protest at the Government's proposal to close the North Western Traffic Area Office in Manchester and thereby reduce the levels of vehicle and traffic enforcement in the North West and threaten the employment of some sixty staff. Wherefore your petitioners pray that your honourable House do not proceed with this proposal. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

To lie upon the Table.