§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that sufficient research is being carried out by the Transport and Road Research Laboratory on the effect of lorry mechanical design on road damage.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Transport and Road Research Laboratory has a continuous programme of research into the structural design of road pavements. The laboratory is also carrying out a related study on the nature of the forces applied to road surfaces by the wheels of goods vehicles and the extent to which they are affected by the mechanical design of the vehicle. This work is now well advanced and I am satisfied that it meets present needs.