§ 36. Mr. Kershawasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the interests of road safety, he is prepared to disregard for the purposes of taxation, the extra weight of protecting drivers of lorries from the dangers of shifting loads by the provision of adequate fittings to lorries.
§ Mr. KershawIs the Financial Secretary aware that these accidents are causing a great number of fatalities which could be avoided? Is he also aware that there is a double danger, first, from the load coming through the cab when a lorry runs into something, and, secondly, because drivers of lorries are chary of putting on the brakes suddenly, because they know that will happen. There have been two fatal accidents in my constituency recently. Will my hon. Friend look at this matter again?
§ Mr. PowellI am aware of all those points. The fact is that it is a legal requirement that lorries should be so fitted that their loads can be properly secured, and it would not be proper to give tax relief for compliance with a legal requirement.