HL Deb 30 October 1981 vol 424 cc1195-6WA
Lord Mayhew

asked Her Majesty's Government:

With reference to the accident on the M.4 on 15th September involving a British Road Service vehicle carrying US Air Force bombs:

  1. (1) why a standard BRS vehicle was being used for this purpose;
  2. (2) whether the vehicle was clearly marked as carrying explosives, and whether it had a police escort;
  3. (3) whether the driver was aware of the contents of his load, and whether he was trained to handle such an emergency;
  4. (4) whether the load was "safe"; and
  5. (5) whether the police and emergency service were informed that the load would be passing through their area.

The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Viscount Trenchard)

Ammunition transportation undertaken by, or on behalf of, visiting forces within the United Kingdom is carried out in accordance with the United Kingdom regulations laid down in Statutory Instrument 1977/888. Under its terms, the conveyance of munitions by hauliers has to be certified by the Secretary of State for Defence. The vehicle must be clearly marked with recognised hazard labels known to the emergency services. The driver must be accompanied and fully briefed before he sets out and carry with him a copy of the instructions setting out the procedures to be followed during the journey and what to do in the event of an incident. The police must be given advance warning of all munitions movements. The statutory instrument also lays down the maximum weight of explosives which should be carried by a vehicle. The weapons are not armed.

In accordance with normal practice, an RAF Inquiry has been convened to look into this incident and to consider whether the procedures followed were adequate to cope with the situation which arose. A summary of its findings will be published.

9.35 a.m.

Lord Denham

My Lords, I beg to move that this House do now adjourn during pleasure for the Royal Commission.

Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.

House adjourned during pleasure.

House resumed.