§ 66. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the question of increasing axle weights and tonnage of lorries as proposed by the European Communities will be treated by Her Majesty's Government as a matter in the national interest requiring a unani- 300W mous decision of the Council of Ministers.
§ Mr. PeytonAt present this is a matter for the Council of Ministers of the Six but in the consultations which are taking place I have emphasised the importance the Government attach to an agreed solution which will take full account of our views.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the Government will treat as a vital national interest the question of non-admission of lorries in excess of present maximum permitted weights.
§ Mr. PeytonThe Road Traffic (Foreign Vehicles) Act, 1972, made it practicable to enforce the law against foreign operators. A total of 710 vehicles were stopped by my Department up to the end of October; for the first month warnings were issued; subsequently, some 90 vehicles were compelled to reduce their loads.