HC Deb 09 March 1998 vol 308 cc50-1W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many unscheduled stops there have been involving truck cargo heavy duty mark 2 vehicles since 1 March 1994; and if he will list the(a) dates, (b) location, (c) length of delay and (d) circumstances of each stop; [32229]

(2) if he will make a statement on the (a) mechanical problems with and (b)alterations made to truck cargo heavy duty mark 2 vehicles since 1 March 1994. [32230]

Mr. Spellar

Since 1 March 1994, there have been 24 occasions on which the Truck Cargo Heavy Duty (TCHD) Mk 2 vehicles were obliged to make unscheduled stops to deal with technical problems. The circumstances are set out in table 1. Details of mechanical problems and alterations since 1 March 1994 are set out in table 2.

Serial No. Date Location Fault Delay time
17 14 September 1996 A814—Helensburgh Jake brake inoperative—Tractor unit change carried out. 65 minutes
18 25 November 1996 A 1—Newcastle Engine coolant gauge reading high—a coolant pipe replaced. 30 minutes
19 24 February 1997 A 1—Stotfold Fuel leak—Tractor unit change carried out. 60 minutes
20 28 November 1997 M3 Near Bagshot Steering malfunction—Tractor unit change. 50 minutes

Table 2: TCHD Mk2—Mechanical problems and alterations made to TCHD Mk2 since 1 March 1994
Year Mechanical problems Alterations to TCHD
1994 Road dirt damaging the vehicles 5th wheel coupling Trailer 5th wheel rubbing plate surface area extended and material type changed.
1994 Cab shock absorber mounting brackets distorted. Shock absorber mounting brackets redesigned.
1994 Engine throttle return spring becomes detached Design change for return spring retention.
1994 Tack welds retaining thrust washer on the trailer suspension cracking. Thrust washers renewed and bonded into position.
1994–1996 Various faults affecting the cabs air conditioning unit Air Conditioning Unit. modified.
1994 1Powered cab tilt facility fitted. Fitted to ease vehicle maintenance and reduce vehicle downtime.
1996 1Trailer suspension air system modified to provide the facility for deflating the trailers front axle air bags. Embodied to generate greater tractive effort when required.
1996 Trailer batteries discharged during periods of non use to a level which prevented re-charge. Battery voltage controllers fitted.
1996 The trailer fibre optic cables prone to be damaged Trailer fibre optic coupling redesigned and cables replaced.
1996 Trailer emergency hatch cover plate becoming loose. Cover plate retention change from self tapping to quick release fasteners.
1997 Cab door locking mechanism jamming Door lock mechanism redesigned.
1These modifications have been embodied on the vehicles for reasons of enhancement and not as a result of defects.