HC Deb 30 May 1963 vol 678 cc1526-7
26. Mr. Gibson-Watt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total of fees paid to the police in the Metropolitan area by industrial owners of over-sized loads on the roads for their services in piloting them through the area during the last 12 months.

Mr. Woodhouse

No charge is made for the services of the police in escorting abnormal loads.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

May I ask two questions? First, why not? Secondly, how can I get hold of the figures of fees paid to the police throughout the country for this service, in view of the fact that a great number of large loads are carried, thus making the problem of the roads very difficult?

Mr. Woodhouse

In reply to the first question, the reason is that it is the duty of the police to regulate all traffic, and regulating these abnormal loads is just as much in the general interest of road users as it is in the general interest of the owners of the loads. As to the second part of the supplementary question, I can only suggest that my hon. Friend should put down a Question.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Would my hon. Friend be kind enough to tell me to which Minister I should address such a Question? Secondly, with regard to his earlier answer, does he appreciate that the fact that there is no fee to be paid to the police encourages industrial owners to put these large loads on the roads, to the great inconvenience of many people?

Mr. Woodhouse

The suggestion in the second part of that supplementary question is not entirely true, because the Commissioner has to be notified in advance of any movement by road of an abnormal load. He can then decide the route which it has to take, and he can also decide whether or not a police escort is needed. There is also a requirement for authorisation by the Minister of Transport for the movement of loads above certain dimensions and weight. As to the first part of that supplementary question, I think it would be best if my hon. Friend would write me a letter.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

On a point of order, to save my writing my hon. Friend a letter, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.