§ 2.40 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, in view of the repeated questions which he has asked them con-concerning the marketing of vehicles transporting dangerous substances, they can now make a statement.]
§ LORD STONHAMMy Lords, in reply to my noble friend's last Question on this subject on December 20, 1966, it was stated that my right hon- 902 ourable friend the Home Secretary expected draft Orders dealing with the conveyance by road of dangerous inflammable liquids to come into force early in 1967. Unfortunately, negotiations with industry and other interested bodies on the draft regulations have taken much longer than expected. But final proposals for amendments to the original draft Orders were approved by the Standing Advisory Committee on Dangerous Substances at their meeting last month, subject to consideration of a few outstanding points of detail. Revision of the original draft Orders is being put in hand and will be completed as soon as possible. The Advisory Committee will now turn their attention to similar regulations dealing with other classes of dangerous substances.
LORD FARINGDONMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. Like every other reply that I have received on this subject it is a promise of immediate or early action. Can the noble Lord tell me what further delay is likely before the necessary Order is placed?
§ LORD STONHAMMy Lords, I think my noble friend is aware that I share his sense of frustration at these inordinate delays on this particular question; but there have been many difficulties. Over 200 highly inflammable liquids are concerned, and there have necessarily had to be many long discussions with a great many interested firms and bodies. My information now is that any further delay before the laying of the Order should be very short.