§ 8. Sir GEORGE PENNYasked the Minister of Transport whether in view of annoyance to residents and danger to buildings due to excessive vibration caused by lorries and other heavy motor vehicles using thoroughfares which are not constructed to carry traffic of this nature, he will take powers to prevent such vehicles using these thoroughfares if they do not avail themselves of the special concessions now allowed under the Finance Act, 1928, in respect of vehicles fitted with pneumatic tyres?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONThere would be considerable difficulty in classifying thoroughfares in the manner which the hon. Member has in mind, and I do not consider that it would be practicable, at any rate at present, to impose restrictions such as the hon. Member suggests. I believe, however, that, under the existing inducements, there is a steady increase in the proportion of heavy vehicles fitted with pneumatic tyres.
§ Sir G. PENNYDo the Government accept responsibility for any damage caused through neglect to take precautions?
§ Mr. MORRISONNo, the Government are not directly responsible for the maintenance of highways. The difficulty largely arises in connection with the 159 actual condition of the foundation of the roads which are steadily being improved, and which we are encouraging. The Government cannot accept financial responsibility for damage.
§ Sir G. PENNYSeeing that this class of the community contribute to the revenue of the country, surely they should be protected in some way, and does the horn Gentleman think it equitable that they should have their buildings damaged because of this vibration?
§ Mr. MORRISONI can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are doing the very best to give everybody the best value for their money.