Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 January 2001. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 January 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date an amendment to Joint Services Publication 341 (The Road Transport Operations Handbook) was issued requiring a certificate to be signed by a commanding officer when normal operating standards are to be exceeded; and how many such certificates have been issued in each month since that date. - Including ref to 20 October 1999, 336 c583.

Answer: Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date an amendment to Joint Services Publication 341 (The Road Transport Operations Handbook) was issued requiring a certificate to be signed by a commanding officer when normal operating standards are to be exceeded; and how many such certificates have been issued in each month since that date. [146276] Mr. Spellar: The amendment to Joint Services Publication 341 (Joint Service Road Transport Regulations) was issued in December 1999. This requires commanding officers to sign a certificate of waiver when authorising any change to maximum driving periods and minimum rest periods. Certificates are held at unit level for 12 months and are not recorded centrally. Information on the number of certificates issued each month since December 1999 could be provided only at a disproportionate cost. I would also refer the hon. Member to my previous reply to the hon. Member for Hereford (Mr. Keetch) on 20 October 1999, Official Report, column 583.

Secondary information