§ 34. Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to clarify the position regarding heavy lorries using ropes to secure containers.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsNo, Sir, but it will be covered in a Code of Practice on Safe Loading now being drawn up in consultation with industry.
§ Mr. HuckfieldWhile I am grateful to the Minister for that information, may I ask him, does he not think that the recent court decision which was overruled by a higher court has introduced some uncertainty into the situation, and is he entirely happy about the continued practice of 392 containers of over 10 tons being tied on merely with ropes? Does he not feel that legislation is necessary to insist on the use of twist locks?
§ Mr. GriffithsI am very well aware of the decision to which the hon. Gentleman draws attention. I am quite sure that the code of practice intended to be published in consultation with the industry will deal with the problem. I would hesitate very much before seeking to gear up the whole engine of Parliament to legislation on how people should tie ropes on to containers.