§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many accidents involving damage to liquid-carrying vehicles and the spillage of dangerous liquids on to roads and into drains and ditches have occurred in England and Wales during the last 12 months; and whether he will make a statement on the adequacy of present safety requirements for such vehicles.
§ Mr. SharplesI regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. There is a statutory requirement for the owner of a vehicle carrying an inflammable liquid with a flash-point below 73°F to notify immediately any accident involving the vehicle which gives rise to death or injury by fire or explosion, but there is no such requirement where the accident involves only damage to the vehicle or spillage of the liquid being conveyed. There are also regulations governing the318W construction and operation of vehicles which carry petroleum spirit, petroleum mixtures and carbon disulphide, and similar regulations are being prepared in respect of the conveyance of other dangerous liquids.