§ 72. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Transport whether he has any statistics as to the approximate number and value of buildings which have been damaged or collapsed as the result of vibration due to heavy motor traffic; and whether the Ministry are taking any action to protect householders and others in this matter by placing a limit on the weight and speed of heavy motors?
§ Mr. GOSLINGThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, I may point out that no alteration has been made in the maximum axle weights or speeds of heavy motor cars since 1904, except that the maximum speed of heavy motor cars fitted with resilient tyres and with registered axle weights between six tons and eight tons was raised two years ago from eight miles to 12 miles per hour. I do not think that the remedy lies in the placing of further limitations on the weight and speed of heavy motor cars, but rather in the strengthening and improvement of road surfaces, a process which is being pressed forward as rapidly as circumstances permit.