Vehicle Inspections Next Year: No H.G.V. Licences

8th November 1957, Page 176

8th November 1957

Page 176

Page 176, 8th November 1957 — Vehicle Inspections Next Year: No H.G.V. Licences

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rOMPULSORY inspection of vehicks was hoped to begin next year, Mr. Harold Watkinson, Minister of Transport, told the House of Commons last week. Discussions were still proceeding.

Mr. G. R. H. Nugent, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry, refused to consider reviving the heavy-goods vehicle driver's licence. He did not think there were sufficient grounds for doing so. In the main, the standard of driving by heavy-lorry drivers was exceptionally high, he said.

Other transport matters dealt with in the House included:— . Accidents: Mr. Nugent said that the rate of accidents involving personal c38 injury per 1,000 vehicles had fallen from 64 in 1938 to 33 last year.

Kent Motorway: Mr. Watkinson hoped to advertise this month a draft scheme showing the proposed line for the Medway towns by-pass, a 25-mile motorway. It was, he said, one of five main projects to which he attached great importance.

Wages Arbitration: Maj. T. Beamish (Cons., Lewes) said that the system of settling wage disputes by the Industrial Disputes Tribunal was unsatisfactory. It had frequently led to the award of higher wages, without reasons being given for the decisions, apparently unrelated to the cost of living or national needs.

Mr. R. Carr, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour, replied that he was aware of criticism of the Tribunal. The Industrial Disputes Order under which the Tribunal operated depended on defence regulations. The Government intended to dispense. with these regulations wherever possible. They were discussing with industry the nature of any permanent arrangement which might take the place of the Order.

London Roads: The Minister has set up a small committee, under Mr. Nugent's chairmanship, to review proposals for the improvement of roads in the county of London, and to suggest a building programme for the next 20 years.