§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he considers it necessary to review the regulations covering the transportation of dangerous substances; and when they were last reviewed.
§ Mr. EyreIn accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Health and Safety Commission has announced a programme for reviewing existing regulations and the possible need for new measures on the transport of dangerous substances. A plan of work has been agreed with this Department. New regulations covering bulk conveyance by road came into force on 1 January this year. The Health and Safety Commission is currently consulting on draft regulations covering the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances.
Proposals are also being developed for the conveyance and storage of dangerous goods in port areas, the conveyance of package dangerous goods by road and the conveyance by road of explosives. My right hon. Friend is awaiting proposals from the commission on these matters. Attention will then be turned to other modes of conveyance.