§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the level of staff available to the Health and Safety Executive to enforce the regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials; and if he will make a statement on the consequent level of protection of the public in the event of an accident.
§ Mr. TrippierI have been asked to reply.
Responsibility for enforcing the regulations governing the transport by road of dangerous substances is currently shared between the Health and Safety Executive, local authorities and the police. Figures for the number of staff involved in this work are not available. I am satisfied that these arrangements provide an adequate level of enforcement.