§ 45. Mr. Darlingasked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce regulations under the Road Traffic Acts to prohibit road tankers carrying dangerous gases, explosives or spirits from travelling in convoy.
§ Mr. GalbraithNo. The transport of dangerous goods of this kind is regulated under other Acts which are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.
§ 53. Mr. Graham Pageasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a lorry carrying a red-hot steel ingot travelled from Sheffield to Halesowen on 11th November, 1963, and that it was escorted all the way by fire engines dousing the lorry with water until the floor boards eventually burst into flames; and whether he will take steps to prevent the carriage of such dangerous goods by road.
§ Mr. GalbraithWe have received reports of the incident which indicate that the sequence of events was somewhat less alarming than the account contained in the Question.
I believe it to have been an isolated occurrence and see no need to take any steps to prevent the carriage of such goods by road. Provided proper precautions are taken there should be no danger to other road users.