§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will cause an investigation to be made into why on Friday, 17th February, a petrol tanker driven by Mr. Gerald Markey broke down in Stratford High Street, E.15, causing petrol to pour into the road, causing a collision and reducing traffic flow to a single line for over one hour: how many police and firemen were in attendance; and what 199W information he has about the state of repair of the vehicle.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI understand the tanker stopped because a shackle pin broke. Whilst it was stationary it was struck by another vehicle. The rear compartment of the tank was fractured and about 80 gallons of xylene spilled on to the road. Essential safety precautions, including traffic control, occupied the police and fire service for about two hours. Altogether 8 police and 14 firemen were in attendance. There is no evidence that the tanker had not been satisfactorily maintained.