§ 2.43 p.m.
LORD FARINGDONMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that those with expert knowledge and professional experience are deeply concerned by the inadequacy of the Regulations and Controls over the transport of inflammable substances, and, if so, what steps they are taking to reduce danger to the public to a minimum.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD DERWENT)My Lords, my right honourable friend is aware of this concern, and the need to review the existing controls. The United Kingdom is a signatory to the European Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods, which is expected to come into operation within the next year. This comprises a detailed and comprehensive code, drawn up by an international group of experts, to ensure that international consignments of dangerous goods are packed and carried safely. My right honourable friend is considering what may be the appropriate means to apply similar provisions to domestic traffic.
LORD FARINGDONMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his, on the whole, encouraging statement. Is it not a fact that seven years ago a committee was set up by the Minister to inquire into this extremely dangerous situation? Is it also a fact that the committee has met only twice since it was set up seven years ago?
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, I was unaware of that last matter. The position is this. Whatever steps we take should, to some extent, follow the lines of the international agreement, and there are certain points still under discussion. The international agreement does not bind internal traffic. That is obviously a sensible arrangement. It was hoped at one time that, by extending the existing laws on the carriage of explosives and so on, it would be possible to do what was wanted; but we now think it inappro- 8 priate to amend the existing legislation. We think that any new legislation should be based on the international agreement when the final details are settled.
LORD FARINGDONMy Lords, I accept the noble Lord's point, and think it reasonable. But may I ask how long it is likely to take before there is a new code for internal traffic in this country?
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, I think we have all the data to go on, and that we may expect the new international code to become effective within a few months. I cannot say exactly when it will be, because discussions are still going on; but probably within six months, and maybe a shorter period. Then it will be a question of framing domestic legislation to coincide with the provisions of the international agreement. That will entail legislation, and that will be a matter for the next Parliament.
LORD REAMy Lords, would the noble Lord agree that the word "inflammable" should be replaced by the word "flammable" when it means flammable and not inflammable?
§ LORD DERWENTNo, my Lords, not when the word is used by a noble Lord opposite who is not a Minister at the moment.