§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their attention has been drawn to the report of the dismissal of a lorry driver employed by the British Road Services, because he would not abandon his vehicle in a fog, and thereby broke some trade union rule.]
§ THE EARL OF BIRKENHEADMy Lords, the Minister of Transport has been informed by the British Transport Commission that the driver in question tendered his resignation to the Road Haulage Executive following some disagreement with his fellow workers. He was not dismissed by the Executive, who were not concerned in this matter. It is understood that he obtained other employment a day or two later.
§ EARL HOWEMy Lords, at a time when the value of a lorry and its cargo on the highway may amount to as much as £30,000, are we to understand from the noble Earl's answer that the Road Haulage Executive agree with an obsolete trade union requirement that under difficult conditions the driver should abandon his vehicle and leave it anywhere on the highway? Does the noble Earl not think that the driver in this case showed great public spirit in the action which he took?
§ THE EARL OF BIRKENHEADMy Lords, I sympathise with the anxiety of the noble Earl. I have a great deal of "ammunition" on this subject but perhaps as it would take a long time to give the information across the Floor of the House, the noble Earl will agree that, for the convenience of the House, I should give it to him privately, later on this afternoon. I am certain that I can satisfy him.