12. Mr. ERSKINEasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that in many parts of London houses are being badly damaged by the vibration of heavy road traffic; and, in view of the seriousness of the problem, will he take steps, in conjunction with the Home Office or otherwise, to bring in legislation to meet the demands of householders and property owners?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)I think that there is some reason to hope that the vibrations caused by heavy traffic will decrease in future owing to the improvements which are continually being made in road surfaces and in the design and construction of heavy vehicles. I do not think that much can be done by legislation towards a solution of this problem, but, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, steps have recently been taken to encourage the use of pneumatic types by a substantial rebate of taxation in respect of heavy motor vehicles so fitted, and by an increase of the speeds permitted to them.
Mr. ERSKINEWould it not be a good thing to give a time limit for pneumatic tyres, say, in a year's time, when every single vehicle over a certain weight should be obliged to have pneumatic tyres?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI do not know that I could go as far as that.