Stop B.R.S. Sales—Labour M.P.s
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AHEATED exchange took place in the House of Commons last week when Labour members suggested to the Minister of Transport that legislation be introduced to cease sates of B.R.S. assets. Mr. Popplewell declared that business and commercial interests all over the country were deploring denationalization. The Minister expressed a contrary opinion.
He told Mr. I. 0. Thomas that the total amount received up to September 11 for the sale of property, otherwise than in transport units, was about £130,000.
There was no growth of a private monopoly in the road transport of meat, Mr. H. Wilson was informed in a written answer. He wished to know how far tenders received for meat vehicles showed evidence of the quotation of common prices.
The Minister replied that tenders made to the British Transport Commission were confidential, but the B.T.C. had not asked for his consent to reject any tender on the ground that acceptance would result in undue restriction of competition.
Mr. Jay thought it necessary to amend the 1953 Act so that British Road Services' assets could not be sold when dismissals of staff were entailed. The Minister affirmed that there was suitable provision for compensation for loss of employment in regulations made under the Act.
The total of administrative expenses incurred until November 5 by the Road Haulage Disposal Board was 127,954, he said.
Mr. G. R. Strauss was promised that the " distracting " effects of winkinglight direction indicators would be considered. It was not possible, stated the Minister, to make new regulations to combat the dazzle problem until facilities for enforcing regulations and testing headlights could be provided. Work was still proceeding to secure international agreement on the subject of headlamp design.
Mr. Warbey asked whether legislation could be introduced fixing at half adult rates the maximum fares to be charged on passenger services to children up to the age of 16 receiving full-time educa tion. The Minister declined, saying that he was not sure that it was right to put any liability on transport operators: The Minister undertook to look into the question of estimating charges which would be necessary on toll trunk routes to cover construction and maintenance costs.
POLICY ON WORKERS' FARES?
I—I A NATIONAL policy on workers' fares may be outlined to the Minister of Transport by the Municipal Passenger Transport Association. The *Commercial Motor is informed that the north-western area committee of the Association have asked members to supply them with information on workers' fares before recommending the national body to take this step.