26. Mr. GwilymRoberts asked the Minister of Transport what are the latest figures available for the number of accidents caused by the jack-knifing of articulated lorries; and what steps she will take to make the use of devices to prevent jack-knifing compulsory.
§ Mr. John MorrisI would refer my hon. Friend to the two Answers given to my hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian (Mr. Eadie) on 24th April.— [Vol. 745, c. 208.]
Mr. RobertsIs the Minister aware that there are now quite efficient devices which can be used to convert an articulated vehicle on braking into a single body? Will the Minister look at this problem urgently to see what can be done to remove this important source of accidents?
§ Mr. MorrisThis matter is being looked at. As I told my hon. Friend, it is being tackled in a number of ways, but there is no evidence as yet to justify regulations requiring any particular device to be fitted. However, improvements have been made as regards a code of practice for the distribution of braking effort and the manufacturers have agreed to follow this code of practice in respect of braking equipment.
§ 30. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Transport what consultations she has had with trade unions concerned in the jack-knifing of articulated vehicles.
§ Mr. John MorrisWe have had no special consultations with the trade unions on this subject. But it has been discussed in the Working Party on Brakes which includes a representative from the Transport and General Workers' Union. Also, the United Road Transport Union has been made generally aware of what is being done.
§ Mr. EadieMy hon. Friend is aware that I put this Question to him some time ago. As a consequence of that I want to make him aware that the trade union has contacted me and it regards this type of accident as slaughter on the roads. Would he not agree that as a consequence of this there is an obligation on the Government to implement proposals to stop this slaughter on the roads?
§ Mr. MorrisIf any organisation or union wishes to make representations to my right hon. Friend or myself I will be willing to arrange discussions with them.