HC Deb 19 June 1950 vol 476 cc54-5W
66. Mr. Prescott

asked the Minister of Transport what is the total sum by way of compensation still outstanding to road hauliers.

Mr. Barnes

Up to 31st May last, sums totalling £19,300,000 had been paid in respect of road haulage undertakings compulsorily acquired by that date, leaving a balance of approximately £1,400,000 outstanding in respect of provisional ascertainments recently computed on the basis of information supplied by transferors. The statutory 10 per cent. retention is excluded from both these figures. The outstanding amounts will be settled as soon as all the necessary legal formalities connected with the transfer of assets have been completed. It will not be possible to give an estimate of the total amount of compensation which will become payable in respect of the whole operation of acquiring long-distance road haulage undertakings until the extent of the assets yet to be taken over has been agreed or determined. The rate at which further ascertainments of compensation are completed depends largely on the availability of accounts and other essential information which only the transferors can supply.

72. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the dissatisfaction caused to many transport concerns by the slowness in the payment of compensation due to them following upon nationalisation; and if he will take steps to expedite the settlement of all the outstanding claims.

Mr. Barnes

I am not aware of general dissatisfaction over the payment of compensation to road transport concerns. The Commission are taking all steps which the Transport Act permits to expedite settlement, but progress in the majority of cases is governed by the availability of accounts and other essential information which only the transferors can supply.