§ LORD RAGLANasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any progress is being made in defining a legal minimum power/laden weight ratio for lorries.
§ LORD SHEPHERDA British Standard specification for diesel engines is nearly completed. This standard includes methods of measuring power which is a prerequisite for determining power/weight ratios. Present plans for type approval of new goods vehicles, powers for which are being sought in the Road Safety Bill, envisage that a minimum power/weight ratio will be one of the requirements to be imposed as early as possible. It is hoped that it will be possible to begin imposing type approval requirements in 1970. Consultation with the vehicle manufacturers and other interested organisations will take place before any regulations are made and laid before Parliament.
House adjourned at eighteen minutes past seven o'clock.