Minister Quizzed About Blow-outs
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TY"performance was primarily a matter for the manufacturers, said the Minister of Transport last week, when he was asked in the Commons what official study had been made of the probable results of a front or rear tyre bursting at various speeds.
However, he was able to assure the questioner—Mr. R_ S. Russell (Tory. Wembley South)—that improvements in recent years in methods of tyre construction and the introduction of new materials such as rayon, nylon and steel cords had both increased tyre casing strengths and reduced heat build-up in the tyre. They had thus reduced the risk of failure.
He was not aware of any study of tyre bursts under the conditions specified by Mr. Russell, went on the Minister.
Second Thoughts On Wide Loads
THE Minister of Transport is having I second thoughts about the controls he intends to impose on projecting loads. I am considering ways of reducing the burden they would impose on industry without reducing their effectiveness," he said in the Commons last week when he was asked if he had completed his consideration of the draft regulations.
Mr. Marples added that the proposals, which included the fitting of lighted marker boards on the ends and sides of the projections, had recently been discussed with interested bodies concerned.
As for the draft regulations for additional side lights on longer vehicles— comments received from representative bodies had expressed a variety of views and suggestions. These were now being studied, said the Minister, and he hoped to reach a decision shortly.
DAVID BROWN EXPANSION PLAN
AN extension of its gear-manufacturing /activities to Wearside is planned by David Brown Industries. Ltd. Negotiations are well advanced for the leasing of a factory on the Pallion Trading Estate, Sunderland.
Commenting on this proposal, Mr. David Brown junior, executive director of the Huddersfield company, said: With our very full order book we badly need more space to expand production.
"The Sunderland factory will be used initially for the manufacture of Radicon worm gear units."