asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the concern at the speed of tanks journeying from Shaw Heath Camp at Knutsford via Chelford to Monks Heath, along the main Congleton Road, A34, through the village towards Wilmslow and then to Ringway Airport returning to the camp via the same route that they cause damage to kerbing footpaths and road studs and that it is impossible to carry out new road surface plans while this traffic continues; that the tanks use this route during busy times at weekends; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused, they can be diverted to a more suitable route or stopped during busy periods.

These are Territorial Army tanks and have to move at weekends for training. The speed limit is 15 m.p.h. The local police were consulted about the route and, if we tell tank drivers specially to avoid damage to kerbs, there are likely to be complaints about driving in the middle of the road. I am afraid that tanks are never popular while training, but they are very important in war.

Does my right hon. Friend not realise that these vehicles really are going too fast and that not only is this dangerous but that the faster they go the more damage they do? Who will take the brunt of it? Will it be the ratepayers or will the Department come to the assistance of the ratepayers in respect of this damage?

The speed limit is 15 miles per hour. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me definite particulars about tanks exceeding that limit, I will go into the matter.