§ 37. Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Minister of Transport what further steps he proposes to take to deal with the nuisance and danger to health caused by the emission of diesel fumes and smoke from road vehicles.
§ Mr. Tom FraserI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to the former Member for Leyton on 11th November.
§ Mr. CookeNo doubt the Minister has this matter very much at heart. Will he do his best to take some new steps in this very difficult matter and possibly seek to make regulations to seal the fuel pumps of these vehicles to prevent the wrongful burning of diesel oil?
§ Mr. FraserWe are working on a scheme to prevent overloading in the first place, which often results in excessive smoke being emitted. A British standard for diesel engines is being prepared which we hope will result in their being less prone to emit smoke. I am glad to see that my vehicle examiners report considerable activity on the part of operators to improve their vehicles.
§ Mr. WebsterWill the right hon. Gentleman make publicly known that it is the duty of the public, and that the machinery exists, to report such instances if they are seen? Will the right hon. Gentleman publish locally where such reports should be sent when these offences occur?
§ Mr. FraserI should like to consider that suggestion.
§ Mr. WoodburnWill my right hon. Friend keep in mind that one of the most important defects occurs when a driver has been driving for far more than the permitted hours and is not in a fit condition to keep his eyes on the road and that this becomes dangerous to other drivers? Is my right hon. Friend aware that if the driver is in charge of a defective vehicle the danger is very much worse?
§ Mr. FraserI take my right hon. Friend's point, but I think he will agree that he has taken me a good deal beyond the question of the emission of diesel fuels.