HC Deb 28 July 1954 vol 531 cc68-9W
121. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many of his officers are engaged in preventing breaches of the law by road hauliers who employ drivers for longer hours than the law provides; and if he is satisfied that the present force of preventive officers is sufficient.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Sixty-two traffic examiners are engaged whole time in enforcing certain provisions of the Road Traffic Acts relating to the operation of commercial vehicles, including the restrictions on drivers' hours. This figure does not include staff engaged on office work in support of the enforcement activities of these examiners. In addition, 472 driving and traffic examiners are available for this work when they are not required to conduct driving tests.

Owing to the large increase in the demand for these tests in recent months, I am looking into the need for an increase in staff to enable more time to be spent on enforcement.