§ Major Lyonsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the fact that there are 60,000 A and B licensed operators in the road haulage industry, with an average fleet of three vehicles; and will an assurance be given that these operators will receive in their respective road haulage businesses such reasonable consideration from his Department as will ensure economic safeguards for their effective continuance?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAs my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, my Noble Friend will shortly put into effect a scheme to ensure that long-distance road haulage vehicles shall remain available. Under this scheme, owners of vehicles which are controlled by my Ministry will retain their business identities and will continue to maintain their own vehicles and to employ their own drivers. As my Noble Friend has said, the scheme may, in due course, be extended to some shorter distance haulage if this seems likely to promote the national interest.