§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what facts have been given him by the British Consul in Lyon about the action of Gendarme Agent Kurtz A. P. J. of the Brigade Autoroute Chamonix in demanding fines of 800 French francs before allowing drivers of M.A.T. Fleet Services, Hull, to use the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
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§ Mr. JuddIn June Her Majesty's Consul in Lyons reported that the Gendarmerie at Chamonix, of which Gendarme Kurtz is understood to be a member, acting under instructions based on the 1954 General Agreement on Economic Regulations for International Road Transport, which, however, is not yet in force, were detaining United Kingdom registered goods vehicles and requiring documentary evidence of their road worthiness. Fines were being imposed on drivers unable to produce such evidence. Following representations by the British Embassy in Paris controls were lifted on 2nd July. When receipts for fines have been collected they will be presented to the French authorities with a request for a refund.
§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has been given by the British Consul in Lyon regarding the behaviour of the French Gendarmerie of Chamonix on Tuesday 21st June when they assaulted Peter Griffiths, a continental lorry driver of M.A.T. Fleet Services, Hull outside the Gendarmerie control post at the entrance to the Mont Blanc Tunnel and arrested him and fellow driver Arthur Ashton.
§ Mr. JuddNo reports have been received by Her Majesty's Consul in Lyons of any assault by the gendarmerie at Chamonix on Mr. Peter Griffiths of M.A.T. Fleet Services, Hull, on 21st June or of his arrest that day together with that of a fellow driver, Mr. Arthur Ashton.