HC Deb 17 January 1968 vol 756 cc1758-9
7. Mr. Monro

asked the Minister of Transport how many licences (V.R.1 and 2) for the transport of abnormal loads she has issued in each of the last three years.

Mr. Carmichael

The movement of abnormal loads exceeding 90 feet in length or 20 feet in width or 150 tons in weight is authorised by Special Order and loads of lesser length and weight having a width from 14 feet to 20 feet by V.R.1. As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate a table in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Monro

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that he has been restrictive in the issue of these licences and thereby prevented Scottish heavy industry from competing in English markets?

Mr. Carmichael

I cannot agree that there has been restriction of the issue of these licences. The hon. Gentleman will remember that fairly recently he was in contact with the Ministry when we went a good way to helping a Scottish firm in this matter of heavy vehicles travelling south.

Sir R. Russell

Have there been any consultations with industry with a view to seeing whether some of these abnormal loads could be assembled at their destinations instead of at the place of origin, as they are a nuisance to other traffic?

Mr. Carmichael

Before an authorisation for the transportation of any of these loads is issued, great care is taken to examine with industry the possibility of reducing the size of the load in order to keep heavy vehicles on the roads to a minimum. Before my right hon. Friend introduced this provision there were many consultations with industries, including the heavy haulage and normal haulage industries.

Following is the information:

Special Orders V.R.l. Total
1965 185 1,586 1,771
1966 254 1,473 1,727
1967 292 1,481 1,773
In some instances an authorisation provides for the movement of more than one load.