1.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he is going to announce proposals to establish a national heavy lorry route.
As soon as we have had time to make up our minds about all the comments.
Is the Minister aware that the inordinate delay in the announcement of the proposals is causing widespread uncertainty, not least to local authorities which, by law, are supposed to submit their own schemes by the beginning of the new year. If this scheme is to be scrapped, as is widely rumoured, may we be told at the earliest possible date?
I am anxious to come to a swift decision, but we have to consider all the points that have been made and, unfortunately, there are conflicting opinions. I am confident that local authorities can make proposals under the Dykes Act which will make a lot of sense. In many ways the best solution is to build up from the bottom by banning lorries from sensitive areas.
Is the Minister aware of the terrific problem of heavy lorries passing through the urban area of Gateshead—Newcastle—Gosforth? Will he do his best to hasten the decision on the detrunking of the A1 in order to get heavy lorries around this urban area?
Of course I am aware of the problems of heavy lorries in Gateshead. We have made a proposal for detrunking the A1 through Newcastle and Gateshead but the period for objections to the scheme to be heard is still open. Therefore, I cannot say anything about its merits at this stage.
Will the Minister take account of the carriage of dangerous chemicals and liquids when he is considering these problems? In particular, will he think about urging the carriage of this type of freight by rail? If this does not happen, one day we shall wake up to a very serious incident.
I believe that my hon. Friend has a later Question on the Order Paper which may well not be reached today. If it is reached, I have a very comprehensive answer to it. We have approached most large industrial concerns pointing out this situation and urging them to consider it in the disposition of their rail freight traffic.