§ Mr. Penhaligonasked the Minister of Transport when the Transport and Road Research Laboratory hopes to report on the studies begun in 1978 into possible damage to gas mains, water mains and other underground pipelines from heavy vehicles.
§ Mr. FowlerIt is hoped to issue a report by the end of this year on the first phase of research on stresses resulting from rolling and static wheel loads from heavy goods vehicles. Work on the second phase concerning the effects of impact loading caused by road irregularities has just commenced.
§ Mr. Penhaligonasked the Minister of Transport whether the Transport and Road Research Laboratory or any other body at the request of his Department is conducting research into the effects on older buildings of ground borne or airborne vibration from heavy vehicles; and if any such research is planned for 1980–81.
§ Mr. FowlerNo. The scope for research in this field is being reviewed at present.
§ Mr. Penhaligonasked the Minister of Transport when the Government are going to act on the recommendations of the Foster committee report of November 1978 on the licensing of heavy lorries.
§ Mr. Snapeasked the Minister of Transport whether he has completed his assessment of Professor Fosters' recommendations of November 1978 for better enforcement of controls on lorry operators; and if he will now announce his intentions.
§ Mr. FowlerMy assessment is now virtually complete and I shall be publishing the Government's response to 137W the Foster report as soon as possible. This will set out in detail the changes I propose to introduce.