§ 91. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Transport the reasons for the long delay in paying the amounts of compensation due to small road haulage companies taken over by the Transport Commission; and if he will take all possible steps to expedite a settlement of the outstanding claims.
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§ Mr. BarnesThe speed with which compensation can be assessed depends to a large extent on the co-operation of the transferor who must furnish accounts and other necessary information concerning his past results up to the date of transfer. Final settlement of compensation due to small undertakings also depends on agreement being reached between the two parties; in the absence of agreement reference to the Transport Arbitration Tribunal is necessary. The British Transport Commission assure me that they have taken all possible steps within their control to expedite the settlement of compensation in respect of all road haulage concerns which they have taken over. If the hon. Member has any specific case in mind, I should be glad to bring it to the attention of the Commission.