asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the quantity of chlorine carried by road or rail in the United Kingdom; and whether he is satisfied that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent its escape through collision or other causes.

Large quantities of chlorine have been carried satisfactorily for many years. The total quantity of chlorine carried in 1974 in Great Britain by four major chemical companies was about 117,000 tons by road and 119,000 tons by rail. Conveyance by rail is subject to stringent conditions for acceptance by the British Railways Board and new road regulations are under consideration by the Health and Safety Executive.