asked the Minister of Transport whether, having regard to the heavy cost of road maintenance and the damage done to road surfaces by un cushioned vehicular loads, he will initiate legislation to cause all heavy vehicles to be fitted with rubber tyres?

The nature of the tyre is only one of several closely related factors which must be taken into account in connection with damage done to road surfaces by vehicular traffic. I do not at present propose to initiate legislation imposing a general restriction of this nature, though I am taking steps to discourage as far as possible the use of uncushioned tyres.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in America vehicles over 10,000 pounds weight are prohibited if they have only metal tyres, and does he not think that legislation on those lines would help us in this country?

Yes, I do know that, and I am taking steps to discourage the use of uncushioned tyres.