HC Deb 27 October 1954 vol 531 cc266-7W
56. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the amount he has estimated, in accordance with Section 14 of the Transport Act, 1953, as the capital loss to be incurred by the British Transport Commission in disposal of its road haulage undertaking; and for how long it is now proposed that the Transport Levy shall be imposed.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

On the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Renton) on 20th October. On the second part, this depends upon such revised estimates as may be made in accordance with Section 14 of the Traffic Act, 1953.

70. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how much of the estimated loss on the disposal of vehicles by the British Transport Commission of £20 million has been incurred on actual disposals to date.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am afraid that it is impossible to calculate this figure. Sales are going on all the time.

73. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the length of time it will be necessary for the transport levy to continue in operation to meet the estimated loss which will arise to the British Transport Commission through the disposal of its road vehicles.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given to the hon. Member for Enfield, East (Mr. Ernest Davies).

74. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the latest estimate of the annual income of the transport levy which was set up under the Transport Act, 1953.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

£4 million.

77. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, when he gave his consent to Transport Unit No. 66/4508, South-West Scotland, comprising 90 vehicles, being offered for public tender, he was aware that private negotiations for its acquisition were proceeding.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No.