§ 37. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Minister of Transport whether, 197 in view of the damage now being done to house property by heavy transport, he will consider legislation to limit the size and weight of vehicles using the public roads?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI would refer by hon. Friend to the answer given on the 13th November last to the hon. Member for the St. George's Division of Westminster (Mr. Erskine), of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs it not possible, pending legislation, for my right hon. and gallant Friend to issue regulations limiting the size of these "Dreadnoughts"?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAll vehicles on roads are strictly limited as to size.
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONCould not my right hon. and gallant Friend in towns put something in the nature of a speed limit on these heavy vehicles with solid tyres?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe law is that the local authorities can apply for speed limits, and then, after a local inquiry, the Minister can, in certain localities, if he so thinks fit, impose a special speed limit.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs it not possible for my right hon. and gallant Friend to insist that the local authorities carry out their duties?
§ Colonel ASHLEYCertainly, but the duty to which my hon. Friend refers is the enforcing of the speed limit, which is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.