§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will specify the last occasion on which a lorry loaded with ammunition caught fire on a motorway; if he will name the motorway; if he will describe the incident; what improvements have been made in the arrangements for the safety of ammunition transport since then; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 18 April 1988]:The last occasion on which a lorry loaded with ammunition caught fire on a motorway was on 30 January 1988 at approximately 06.30 hours about½ mile beyond junction 27 of the M4 westbound. The fire was caused by a piece of sound insulation material falling from the engine cover on to the hot turbo-charger which ignited. The vehicle was brought safely to a stop and the fire extinguished using onboard equipment. The civil fire brigade and police attended. The vehicle was stationary on the hard shoulder for approximately 30 minutes and after repair continued on its journey without further incident. No changes to existing safety arrangements were thought necessary following this incident.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when was the last substantive review of the arrangements for the security of ammunition transported by road.
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§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 18 April 1988]: The security of ammunition transported by road is governed by Statutory Instrument 1977 No. 888 — The Conveyance by Road of Military Explosives Regulations 1977 and detailed guidance and instructions are contained in service regulations. A new health and safety regulation — The Road Traffic (Carriage of Explosives) Regulations is due to replace the present legislation in late 1988 and Ministry of Defence arrangements are being reviewed to ensure they comply with the new requirements.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what checks are undertaken to ensure that drivers of ammunition lorries are not under the influence of alcohol during their journeys.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 18 April 1988]: Statutory Instrument 1977 No. 888—The Conveyance by Road of Military Explosives Regulations 1977 — and unit standing orders specify that no personnel under the influence of alcohol are to be allowed to handle or convey ammunition. Responsibility for enforcing this regulation rests with the authorised representative at the despatching and receiving points.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, in the interests of security, he will review the present system for the identification of explosive and projectile ammunition carried by lorries.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 18 April 1988]: The requirements for labelling explosives, and for externally labelling vehicles carrying explosives, are contained in SI 1983 No. 1140 — Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983. The classification of explosives is based upon the United Nations international system of classification, which is kept under periodical review. The hazard classification is displayed in the 206W interests of public safety and a separate review of this particular practice in the interests of security is not considered necessary.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is considering any new security measures for the transport by road of projectile ammunition; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 18 April 1988]: Security standards for the transport by road of ammunition are laid down in service regulations. These are continually reviewed.