ROAD HAULAGE DISPOSAL BOARD (ABOLITION) ORDER, 1956 (Hansard, 23 July 1956)

§ THE EARL OF SELKIRK

My Lords, the Road Haulage Disposal Board was set up under the 1953 Act. The British Transport Commission had to consult with the Board, and the Board had to approve the sale of transport units. This process of sale is now virtually at an end, except for two large companies whose sale will not in arty case require the assistance of the Board. Accordingly, the Board will be abolished under this regulation on August 28. In the remaining period the Board will complete the sale which is now in progress; will make a final Report will audit the vehicles remaining for sale, and will make recommendations to the Minister in regard to property other than vehicles. I think it desirable at this stage to thank Sir Malcolm Trustram Eve arid his colleagues for carrying through a difficult task with ability and expedition, and establishing a great sense of fairness in all those who have come in contact with him. I beg to move that this Order be approved.

§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

My Lords, as one who had something to do with the debates upon the Road Haulage Disposal Bill, I should like to 7 associate myself and noble Lords on this side of the House with the remarks that have just fallen from the lips of the noble Earl, Lord Selkirk. The Road Haulage Disposal Board did a good job of work, and they did it very fairly. Sometimes, I thought, they did it with embarrassing fairness—at least, embarrassing to Her Majesty's Government, who did not always take the splendid advice they offered. Sir Malcolm Trustram Eve is to be congratulated on the outstanding public service which he rendered in a difficult situation. I can only hope that he does not have to render a similar one in the rest of his career. We on this side of the House now part with road haulage disposal with a word of thanks to those who had so much to do with it.