HC Deb 12 April 1984 vol 58 cc306-7W
Mr. Frank Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list his powers to control the transit of hazardous cargoes by rail and road.

Mrs. Chalker

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Warrington, North (Mr. Hoyle) on 29 March 1982, at column 42.

Mr. Frank Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied that there are adequate safeguards which control the transit of hazardous cargoes by rail and road and that there are adequate means by which local concerns, for example from householders alongside railway lines used to transport hazardous cargoes, may be allayed.

Mrs. Chalker

British Rail's conditions of acceptance ensure a high standard of safety for hazardous loads on the railways. The transport of dangerous goods in bulk on roads is covered by regulations made in 1981 covering the construction of vehicles, their labelling and the training of drivers. The Health and Safety Commission hopes to publish next year proposals consolidating and extending the present controls on dangerous substances in packages by road.

Local emergency services together with local authorities are familiar with, and operate, effective local emergency plans in the event of an incident involving fire, explosion or uncontrolled spillage of hazardous cargoes.