§ 24. Lieut.-Colonel Cordeauxasked the Minister of Transport how many accidents involving mobile cranes or vehicles with long, wide, and projecting loads have occurred since 24th January, and 20th June, 1961, respectively.
§ Mr. HayI regret that the precise information asked for is not available, but I do know of three accidents involving mobile cranes and double-deck buses since 24th January, 1961, two of them since 20th June.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CordeauxAs my hon. Friend cannot give figures, would he agree that there is no reason to imagine that they are any less serious than they were in the previous three years? Is he aware that exactly a year ago when the matter was raised he gave me information that my right hon. Friend was on the point of issuing regulations to deal with these dangerous vehicles? Is it not time that he told road hauliers 191 and other interested parties that they can no longer delay the enforcement of these essential safety regulations?
§ Mr. HayI am personally painfully aware of the statement I made and to which my hon. and gallant Friend has drawn attention. The fact is that we have now been able to make a great deal of progress in clearing these regulations with the parties with whom we are obliged under Statute to consult, but I hope to clear up one outstanding legal difficulty, which I hope will not prove too difficult. We hope to have the regulations made some time next month.