§ Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulties 503W under which heavy haulage contractors are suffering owing to the restrictions of the Road Traffic Act which require four clear days' notice to be given to all county and borough authorities before heavy loads are moved; and whether, in view of the hampering effect upon industry and employment caused by strict adherence to these regulations, he will consider such amendment of the Order as may be necessary?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe provisions to which my hon. Friend refers apply only to engineering plant and to abnormal loads which cannot be carried on ordinary vehicles. Some of these loads are of great size and weight, and notice to highway authorities and to the police is required in order that danger to the public and unnecessary damage to highways may be avoided. The provisions of the Order are at present under review, and I will certainly consider whether it is practicable to shorten the period of notice required.