§ Mr. Roweasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any plans to introduce financial or other incentives to encourage the development of quieter and safer lorries.
§ Mr. RidleyMuch development of this kind is undertaken by manufacturers for commercial reasons or under the stimulus of new vehicle standards required by regulation. In addition, my Department supports a continuing programme of research and development directed towards improving vehicle environmental and safety standards. The Department of Trade and Industry also offers financial support to firms to undertake approved research and development projects with the aim of improving the technological base of United Kingdom industry. At the present time my Department and the Department of Trade and Industry are contributing towards the cost of a £10 million programme of work with manufacturers to develop quieter lorries.