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Heavy Lorry Trailer Combinations

Oral Answers to Questions — Transport – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 24 Chwefror 1970.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Mr. Brian Harrison:

asked the Minister of Transport what consideration is being given to the environmental effects of 44-ton lorries and 56-ton lorry trailer combinations.

Photo of Mr Fred Mulley Mr Fred Mulley , Sheffield Park

I am considering generally how environment might be affected, and what safeguards might be possible, if the heavier vehicles were allowed. In particular I am looking at the effects on safety, congestion, noise, vibration and pollution. Organisations with special interests in these fields are being consulted.

Mr. Harrison:

Would the right hon. Gentleman please look at the effect of these enormous vehicles indiscriminately using small roads between the Midlands and the East Coast?

Photo of Mr Fred Mulley Mr Fred Mulley , Sheffield Park

I understood the hon. Member was more concerned about the possible increase in size. Certainly the size of roads and the strength of bridges are matters to which we give careful consideration.

Photo of Mr Fred Blackburn Mr Fred Blackburn , Stalybridge and Hyde

Will the Minister also look at the growing practice of heavy lorries travelling in convoy?

Photo of Mr Fred Mulley Mr Fred Mulley , Sheffield Park

I will certainly note that point, but I am not quite certain what my hon. Friends wishes me to do about it.

Minister

Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.