HC Deb 09 December 1968 vol 775 cc6-7
32. Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take to ensure that foreign lorries using British roads are insured and licensed.

Mr. Carmichael

The licensing and insurance laws are well known by foreign hauliers and we are not aware of any particular problem requiring other than normal enforcement action.

Mr. Atkins

Is there not a case for foreign lorries contributing to the cost of British roads, just as British lorries do on the Continent generally?

Mr. Carmichael

They do. Through the international agreement, they must have permission and a green card to travel on our roads. It is a mutual agreement between the various nations whose vehicles use roads in other countries.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

What action will the Government take to ensure that British lorries have Excise licences, now that the carrier licensing system is no longer applicable to vehicles of an unladen weight of 30 cwt. and less, and in that way to eliminate pirate vehicles?

Mr. Carmichael

This is one feature which we are hoping to deal with by means of the new Bill which goes to Committee tomorrow. Because of the new computerisation of Excise licences, evasion will be more difficult than hitherto.