HC Deb 08 July 1931 vol 254 cc2069-70
21. Sir CHARLES CAYZER

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the number of recent accidents to road vehicles where minor collisions have resulted in serious loss of life owing to the explosion of petrol tanks situate in a forward position on these vehicles; and whether he will consider the issuing of regulations prohibiting, after a specified date, the licensing of all road vehicles which carry their petrol tank in close proximity to the engine?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

My attention has not been drawn to any recent road accident, which could properly be described as a minor collision, and which resulted in loss of life owing to the outbreak of fire. Fire is always a possible result of a serious collision, and the risk is no doubt increased in the case of a head-on collision by a forward position of the petrol tank. A very large number of motor vehicles are designed for the fitting of a tank in this position, and so far as my present information goes I do not think that I should be justified in making a regulation on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

Sir C. CAYZER

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the cheapest types of motor car carry rear petrol tanks already and that, therefore, there is no excuse for manufacturers fitting tanks to carry highly explosive petrol in close proximity to the engine?

Mr. MORRISON

I appreciate the point, and it can be considered again; but already there are many regulations governing the construction of motor oars, and I ask the hon. Member not to lead me too far in the direction of meticulous statements.

Mr. GEORGE HARDIE

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the Department have considered the use of a one-way valve in connection with petrol tanks, and whether a one-way valve might not save the whole situation?

Mr. MORRISON

My hon. Friend has got me out of my depth.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Has the right hon. Gentleman any statistics which show that cases of fire occur more frequently where the petrol tank is close to the engine?

Mr. MORRISON

No, Sir.

Mr. ERNEST WINTERTON

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to make representations that all future cars should have petrol tanks in the same position?

Mr. MORRISON

It will be considered, but I do not think that the time has yet arrived when I should make such a regulation.