§ 20. Mr. Speedasked the Minister of Transport what steps he intends to take next winter to minimise underbody corrosion caused by the spreading of salt on roads in icy weather.
Mr. Bob BrownWe have insufficient knowledge of suitable all-purpose inhibitors which would effectively reduce the risk of underbody corrosion caused by salt, and direct action in the coming winter will not be possible. The Road Research Laboratory will, however, be testing two of the most promising types of inhibitors under field conditions next winter. Future policy on their use will depend on the results of this research, which are not likely to be available before 1970 or 1971.
§ Mr. SpeedI thank the Minister for that reply. Can he say what will be the extent of the experiments? Is it not a fact that we could have nation-wide experiments at a cost of about £1 million and could then see how much we are saving the motorist as regards corrosion, and, more important, perhaps increasing road safety as a result?
Mr. BrownThe Road Research Laboratory test will take place next winter with about seven new cars on the test circut at Crowthorne.