§ 2.56 p.m.
§ Earl CATHCARTMy 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 satisfied with the existing regulations relating to transport tankers conveying dangerous substances by road and in particular whether the system of describing various toxic, inflammable and explosive loads by marking the outside of the tankers with small identification signs is adequate to ensure the maximum safety to the public in the event of a traffic accident.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk)No, my Lords, the Government are not satisfied. The Health and Safety Commission are now studying proposals for new regulations covering the construction and operation of vehicles conveying hazardous materials and how best to make the voluntary marking scheme mandatory. They will also examine the possibility of painting the vehicles in a distinctive colour. Mean while, a voluntary scheme for the display of hazard information markings on road tankers carrying dangerous goods came into operation on 1st July, which will help the emergency services to operate swiftly and safely.
§ Earl CATHCARTMy Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for that reply, which is very satisfactory. Is she able to assure the House that these new regulations that are being drawn up will include, in particular, the transportation by road of dangerous waste material?
§ Baroness BIRKYes, my Lords. To the best of my knowledge, discussions are under way at the moment and I can assure the noble Earl that this important factor is being taken into consideration.
§ Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTONMy Lords, may I ask the noble Baroness whether it is a fact that the Secretary-General of the United Nations has been in touch with us about this? Is this not a world problem which is being dealt with on a world basis?
§ Baroness BIRKYes, my Lords, it is to some extent; and the markings and labels are partly based on a United Nations code.
Viscount ST. DAVIDSMy Lords, can the noble Baroness tell us how far the regional water authorities are in touch on this matter, and how far they are aware of the dangers which might arise on roads which cover their areas? Can the noble Baroness also tell us how far they are interlinked with this?
§ Baroness BIRKMy Lords, I am afraid that I cannot. If the noble Viscount had asked me about railways, I could have told him immediately. How ever, I will write to him on that point, if I may.
Lord KINDERSLEYMy Lords, may I ask the noble Baroness whether she realises the tremendous danger involved in carrying 40 million gallons of chemicals and nearly 60 million gallons of petroleum on our roads today? Is she also aware of how much that danger is increased during the winter months when there is sleet, snow and fog to contend with? May I ask the noble Baroness whether she will look at that point and press on by whatever means possible in order to achieve her object?
§ Baroness BIRKYes, my Lords. That is why, at the beginning of my Answer to the original Question, I said that the Government are not satisfied at the moment. That is why we are taking this action.