HC Deb 14 February 1995 vol 254 cc560-2W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 6 February, if his inquiry into breaches of the Air Navigation Order of flights containing calves from Coventry airport in November and December 1994 deals specifically with the airline involved.

Mr. Norris

The purpose of the current inquiry is to seek to determine whether there have been any breaches of the Air Navigation Order. The inquiry will consider all relevant matters including the actions of the airlines involved in the operation of the flights.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the road worthiness of lorries used to export animals through the port of Shoreham.

Mr. Norris

This is an operational matter for the Vehicle Inspectorate Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Ron Oliver to Mr. Elliot Morley, dated 13 February 1995:

The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question regarding the roadworthiness of lorries used to export animals through the port of Shoreham.

Lorries used for all forms of transport have an annual statutory roadworthiness examination and are also subject to roadside checks conducted by the Vehicle Inspectorate regardless of the nature of the transport operation.

In the financial year 1993/94 the Vehicle Inspectorate conducted a total of 672,780 annual checks on motor vehicles and trailers, and 120,335 roadworthiness spot check inspections (with a further 13,931 special checks on lorry lights and exhaust emissions). We do not have details on inspection of vehicles specifically used for the transportation of animals.

If you have any further queries about the Inspectorate's enforcement activities, please contact me at the above address.