§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out the procedures for ascertaining that the weight of freight per rail wagon does not exceed British Rail restrictions, and conforms with the requirements of the Health and Safety Executive.
§ Mr. FreemanPrimary responsibility rests with British Rail. The Health and Safety Executive does not set or check weight limits for wagons. The design, construction and designated use of wagons prevent them from being loaded beyond their maximum capacity.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the maximum weight of a wagon for the carriage of freight on the railways.
§ Mr. FreemanThe maximum axle weight is 25.5 tonnes. The largest freight wagons in normal use are mineral wagons and large oil tankers mounted on two bogies with two axles, which weigh 102 tonnes fully laden.