§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will have discussions with the local authority associations concerning the introduction of effective controls over road tankers from the Continent with unidentified and unmarked hazardous loads using British roads.
§ Mr. EyreMy right hon. Friend and I have regular meetings, both formal and informal, with the local authority associations, at which any matters of mutual interest may be discussed.
§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the extent of spot checks carried out in the past two years on Continental tanker vehicles entering the United Kingdom with unidentifiable loads or misleading markings; with what results; to what extent the drivers of such vehicles have detailed instructions as to what to do in an emergency; whether he is taking any action as a result; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. EyreThe European agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road requires all vehicles subject to it to carry written instructions specifying the nature of the inherent danger, the action to be taken and treatment to be given in the event of contact, and the measures to be taken in case of fire or spillage. My Department's traffic examiners conduct regular spot checks on goods vehicles entering this country through major ports, but we have no evidence of problems caused by tanker vehicles with unidentifiable loads or misleading markings.