asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he will make it clear that the weight of the producer-gas equipment mounted on a goods vehicle is not included in the unladen weight of the vehicle for the purpose of determining the class for speed-limit to which the vehicle belongs;

{2) whether a public-service vehicle which takes advantage of the recent order permitting the use of a trailer to carry producer-gas equipment will thereby have its maximum speed-limit reduced from 30 miles per hour; and will a goods vehicle, equally drawing a trailer for carrying producer-gas equipment, only be allowed a maximum speed-limit of 30 miles per hour?

With my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines I am at present giving close consideration to the speed-limits of vehicles carrying or trailing producer-gas units or compressed gas cylinders, and I hope to be able to make a statement shortly.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will fix a definite minimum period for the operation of the recent order allowing the use of trailers for producer-gas equipment in order to give reasonable security to justify the expense of such equipment?

While I am not in a position to give any undertaking as to the length of time this relaxation will remain in force, I will certainly undertake that before it is withdrawn I will give consideration to the position of persons who have already provided themselves with producer-gas equipment, and I will consult associations representative of the interests affected.