Questions in the House
Page 44
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
'THE Minister of Transport, Mr. Tom Fraser, is to continue the roadside smoke checks introduced by Mr. Ernest IVIarples. In a written answer to Mr. R. W. Sorensen (Lab., Leyton), who had asked if the Minister would give special consideration to further measures for the elimination of exhaust fumes from heavy vehicles, Mr. Fraser said there was no reason why a correctly maintained diesel engine should produce excessive fumes or smoke, and he proposed to continue the roadside smoke checks.
Replying to Mr. Patrick •Jenkin (Con., Wanstead and Woodford) Mr. Fraser said he could not say when the committee on carriers' licensing would report, -or whether the report would be published.
Mr. James Dempsey (Lab., Coatbridge and Airdrie) asked if the Minister would legislate to make nationalized transport accountable 'to Partiament, but Mr. Fraser declined; he saw no reason for a change.
Mr. Dempsey was told by the Minister's Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Stephen Swingler, that the Government would not give a general direction to the Transport Holding Co. to operate concessionary fares for old-age pensioners at off-peak times; this was not a suitable subject for direction.
The Minister was asked by Mrs. Joyce Butler (Lab., Wood Green) to appoint a commission to examine London's transport problems and recommend plans for "a comfortable, integrated service with fares at reasonable rates ". Mr. Fraser said he did not think a new commission was needed at present.
He was also asked to speed up the London Transportation Study and said he would see that there was no delay, but the plan might take "a little while ".
Mr. Clive Bossorn (Con., Leominster) asked for Government research into means of limiting diesel and petrol fumes and the Minister said they were in close touch with developments in America, but British research was not appropriate.