§ Mrs. Winifred Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on the transportation of dangerous substances; what investigations he is currently conducting into the subject; and what organisations he has invited to join in the investigations.
§ Mr. McElhoneMy right hon. Friend is concerned to ensure that dangerous substances are carried by road as safetly as possible. The safety of the vehicles themselves is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Transport. My Department, with the local highway authorities, is seeking to identify any problems which may arise from the routeing and parking of such loads in Scotland. If problems do emerge,790W further discussions will be held with the authorities, with representatives of the chemical and petroleum industries, and with the police and fire services to find suitable solutions.