HC Deb 27 July 1978 vol 954 cc882-3W
Mr. Temple-Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to increase safety precautions for dangerous loads travelling by road both as to the loads themselves and the routes that are followed.

Mr. William Rodgers

The Health and Safety Executive has developed tanker labelling regulations which should be on the statute book by later this year and is preparing comprehensive regulations to control the transport of dangerous goods by road which will to a large degree be concerned with safety precautions for the load. The need for specifying routes will be considered in the context of these regulations.

Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied that the transport of liquid propylene gas in tankers through populated areas presents no unacceptable risks; if there are any trunk roads where the traffic of such material should be prohibited; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. William Rodgers

I believe that in practice the transport of liquefied propylene in this country is carried out with a high regard for safety, but nevertheless there is a need for comprehensive regulations, which are being prepared by the Health and Safety Executive. I am not aware of any particular stretch of trunk road where the prohibition of tankers carrying liquid propylene would be appropriate.

Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied that the requirements regarding the filling of tankers with liquid propylene gas, the seepage of such from tankers and related matters, are satisfactory.

Mr. William Rodgers

There are at present no statutory requirements controlling the transport of liquefied propylene. Although in practice stringent controls are exercised by industry, I regard this gap as unsatisfactory. Comprehensive statutory regulations are being prepared by the Health and Safety Executive.

Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish statistics of the trunk roads most used for the conveyance of liquid propylene gas by tankers.

Mr. William Rodgers

I regret that this information is not available.