HC Deb 06 December 1972 vol 847 cc1285-6
10. Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many lorries examined by his inspectors during the last 12 months were found to be overweight; and what this was as a percentage of all lorries examined.

Mr. Peyton

The figure was 3,662, representing 2 per cent. of all checked, in 12 months to the end of September.

Mr. Clark

Will the Minister make it clear to the House and the country that each one of those vehicles is unsafe and a potential killer, and will he do something about trying to increase his inspection?

Mr. Peyton

Yes, Sir. I have done something to increase the inspection and to improve enforcement. I agree entirely with what the hon. Gentleman says. Overloading is a menace.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

Has the Minister ever tried weighing an articulated lorry, axle by axle, on a public weighbridge which is more suited to a wheelbarrow? Does not he agree that one of the main answers to the problem is more, bigger and better public weighbridges?

Mr. Peyton

The answer to the hon. Gentleman's second question is, "Yes, Sir". The answer to the first part of his question is, "No, Sir; I have not tried".

26. Mr. Horam

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made in implementing the recommendations of the departmental working party on the parking of lorries.

Mr. Peyton

Nineteen sites have been identified for acquisition and development.

Mr. Horam

When will we actually see some of these lorry parks built and operating?

Mr. Peyton

It takes a little time; I hope that the hon. Gentleman will be patient.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

Will the right hon. Gentleman please try to help me by dealing with the lorries that are parked on the pavement outside the front doors of my constituents so that they cannot get in their street doors, and so that ambulances and fire appliances cannot get to and from fires and accidents? The police will not do something, nor will his Department, yet if I were to blow my top, something might be done. The Prime Minister does not have these lorries parked in Downing Street.

Mr. Peyton

The prospect of the hon. Member's blowing his top is truly terrifying. Hungry though I am for opportunities to please the hon. Member I have to tell him, with great disappointment, that the last Government passed the responsibility for traffic management in Greater London to the Greater London Council—so the power to please the hon. Gentleman is temporarily taken from me.