§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Transport what discussions he has had with the appropriate trade unions about wages and conditions of lorry drivers as part of the implementation of the Transport Act, 1968.
§ Mr. CarmichaelWe have had, and shall be continuing, discussions with the road transport trade unions about implementation of the various provisions of the Transport Act, 1968, including the provisions concerning drivers hours. We have no plans for specific discussions on wages and conditions of lorry drivers.
§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Transport what representations he 402W has from the unions concerned about the relationship between the provision of overnight accommodation and the reduction in the hours worked by long distance lorry drivers as part of his implementation of the Transport Act, 1968.
§ Mr. CarmichaelThe Transport Catering and Accommodation Joint Committee on which employers and unions in the road transport industry are represented has written to the Department about this matter. The Committee's proposals are being considered and a meeting will be arranged.
§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Transport if he will seek powers to make provision for improved overnight accommodation for long distance lorry drivers.
§ Mr. CarmichaelNo. The provision of overnight accommodation for long distance lorry drivers is primarily a commercial matter for the road transport and catering industries.