§ Mr. Keyasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied with the existing rules for assessing the laden weight of large passenger vehicles; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe present rules, which stem from pre-war days, need to be brought up to date. Average passenger weights have increased. Many coaches now carry larger amounts of baggage and can safely operate at slightly higher weights. My Department is therefore consulting interested organisations on proposals to update the rules in line with modern international standards. The effect of the changes will be to ensure that gross weight capacity is assessed realistically, and that buses and coaches are designed to take the maximum loads which may be reached during service.
Copies of the consultation letter have been placed in the Library of the House.