§ 13. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the frequency of burst water-mains in the London area and elsewhere, he will take steps to limit the loads carried by commercial vehicles.
§ Mr. PeytonI have no evidence that the laden weight of commercial vehicles is a significant factor in causing burst water-mains.
§ Mr. LiptonDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that our roads were never constructed to bear loads of 40–50 tons or more? By way of confirming the point I am trying to make, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was another burst water-main in Stoke Newington this morning?
§ Mr. PeytonI very much regret the occurrence to which the hon. Member has just referred. I should remind him that what counts here is not so much the total laden weight of a vehicle but the maximum permitted axle weight.