HL Deb 06 February 1969 vol 299 cc297-8WA
LORD MERTHYR

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (1) Whether, since March 1, 1968, at least eight 120-ton individual loads have been conveyed by road from Dukinfield, via Manchester, to Port Talbot, causing much dislocation and inconvenience to other traffic;
  2. (2) What is the shortest distance by road between Dukinfield and Port Talbot;
  3. (3) What was the actual length of each journey and approximately the time occupied;
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  4. (4) What extra expense has fallen upon the police and highway authorities concerned; and
  5. (5) Whether this extra expense has been refunded to these authorities.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (LORD SHEPHERD)

Only the movement of the larger abnormal loads is controlled by my right honourable friend, the Minister of Transport, i.e., those exceeding 14 ft. in width. 90 ft. in length or 150 tons gross weight. Because the loads in question were of lesser dimensions and weight the required detailed information cannot readily be obtained without undue cost. Expenses incurred by any of the authorities concerned are not refunded.

House adjourned at eight minutes before eight o'clock.