§ 53. Mr. R. W. Elliottasked the Minister of Transport, in view of the fact that the proposal to penalise heavy loads up to an amount of £15 a mile will have a detrimental effect on developing industry in the North-East of England, if she will give further consideration to this proposal.
§ Mr. Carmichael:Slow-moving heavy lorries cause congestion and impose costs on other road users including industrial traffic, in all parts of the country. We see no reason to exempt particular areas from the charges.
§ 54. Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Minister of Transport what estimates have been made by her Department of the proportion of the mileage charge for the carriage of abnormal loads which will fall upon journeys involving the carriage of goods for exports; and what proportion will fall upon journeys to and from development areas.
§ Mrs. Castle:The abnormal loads charges reflect the costs of congestion 423W caused by large slow-moving lorries. These costs arise in all parts of the country. Separate figures of estimated revenues from particular kinds of journey are not available.
§ 65. Sir H. Harrisonasked the Minister of Transport what is the expected revenue per annum of the proposed abnormal loads charge.
§ Mr. Carmichael:About £3 million.