HC Deb 18 November 1970 vol 806 c1234
44. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider new regulations for the stowage of heavy loads in lorries.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Eldon Griffiths)

My right hon. Friend is very concerned about the safety of the loads on lorries and is considering what further guidance might be given on this subject.

Mr. Wall

I welcome the Minister's reply, but would he not agree that the present regulations are very imprecise, particularly in regard to open lorries, and that some loads are so stowed that they are a danger to the driver and to other road users?

Mr. Griffiths

My hon. Friend would know that Regulation 76 of the Motor Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations requires the packing, distribution and adjustment of load to be such that no danger is caused, and also requires that the load must be secured so that no danger is likely to be caused through its falling off. I recognise the need for further precision and my right hon. Friend is right now looking into this matter.

Mr. Lipton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at present the Minister for Transport Industries is considering an increase in the permitted load on lorries? How does that square with what he just said?

Mr. Griffiths

The hon. Gentleman will realise that increase in load is one thing and increase in an unsafe load is another. I assure him that my right hon. Friend will in no sense consider increases in unsafe loads.