§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answers by the Lord Davies of Oldham on 11 February (WA 166) and 21 April (WA 52), why they judge it desirable to impose more burdensome regulations on the carriage of gas oil on the basis of its flammability, when there is no recent history of gas oil bowsers catching fire. [HL2512]
§ Lord TriesmanThis change was introduced to implement the provisions of EC directive1 requirements for the safe transport of dangerous goods. Industry has been fully aware that this has been part of the international text for many years and that, in due course, Great Britain (GB) would be required to conform to international safety obligations. However, the new GB regulations2 allow a transitional period for industry to meet these requirements and, where existing bowsers will be used solely in the UK, a requirement to meet general safety requirements and be fit for purpose will be maintained.
1Council Directive 94/55/EC (updated for the fourth time by Commission Directive 2003/28/EC).
2 The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004.