HC Deb 02 March 1926 vol 192 c1234
61. Mr. W. BAKER

asked the Minister of Transport whether any regulation forbids the discharge of steam by road tractors; and whether he will consider the possibility of insisting that condensers should be fitted?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

Tractors which are light locomotives must, under Section 1 of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896, be so constructed that no smoke or visible vapour is emitted except from a temporary or accidental cause. As regards tractors which are locomotives, as distinct from light locomotives, there is no provision forbidding the discharge of steam, although under Section 30 of the Highways and Locomotives (Amendment) Act, 1878, such vehicles must be constructed to consume, so far as practicable, their smoke. The point raised in the latter part of the question has been considered, but I am doubtful whether it would be practicable to require all steam driven vehicles to be fitted with a condensing apparatus.

Sir J. NALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of using these implements here with a view to expediting business?