§ Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he intends to make to increase weight and maximum speeds of juggernaut lorries; what recent consultations he has had on such matters; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RodgersI have no such proposals nor have I had any formal consultations on the matter recently. The question of lorry weights is important and a proper subject for public discussion. But I have made clear on many occasions that I could not agree to any increase until I was fully satisfied that it would be consistent with safety and environmental considerations. The views of the House itself would, of course, be a major factor.