§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if in the light of the report of the National Audit Office on the regulation of heavy lorries, he will take steps to ensure that(a) everything possible is being done to encouage the use of lorry designs which have less adverse effects, (b) further studies are carried out in conjunction with the local authority associations to establish the full extent of the problem, (c) further research is carried out into whether enforcement procedures are effective and (d) steps are taken to increase the deterrent effect of penalities for overloading to include the suspension or revocation of the transport operator's licence; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyI refer the hon. Member to the transcript of this Department's oral evidence to the Committee of Public Accounts (HC 170-(i)). It would not be appropriate for me to comment further until the Committee has made its report.