§ 24. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Scotland's hauliers and lorry drivers about the Transport Bill; and what reply he has sent.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonNone, apart from representations from the Traders' Road Transport Association and a circular from the Road Haulage Association. My right hon. Friend has replied, reaffirming the Government's view that the Bill will increase the efficiency of transport services 1340 to the Scottish economy but that certain technical aspects of the Bill, in particular the provisions about abnormal loads, are being specially considered by the Transport Committee of the Scottish Economic Planning Council.
§ Mr. Wolrige-Gordon:That reply is totally unsatisfactory. Does not the Minister recognise that there are two additional points at issue which are of extreme importance to Scotland's economy: first, the rise in costs due to transport charges, estimated in my part of the world at a minimum of 20 per cent.; second, the need for flexibility, particularly for exporters and those engaged in the food and fish industries, who are directly threatened by the provisions of the Bill?
§ Dr. MabonWith respect, there has been a great deal of nonsense uttered by hon. Gentlemen opposite, either through ignorance or because they are misinterpreting the Bill's provisions. It is quite wrong of them to go about the country saying what they are saying, without proper examination of the Bill.
The answer I gave was an exact and precise answer to the Question. If there are further representations to be made to us, Scottish Ministers would be happy to receive them.
§ Mr. Hector HughesDoes my hon. Friend realise, from representations which I have made to him, that the hauliers and carriers in Aberdeen associated with the fish trade regard the Bill as a threat to their existence? Will he make representations to the Minister of Transport accordingly?
§ Dr. MabonThe Minister of Transport has received copies of any representations from the organisations I have mentioned or from my hon. Friends and hon. Members opposite immediately they have come to our office. She is aware of them. But, as I said, there is a great deal of exaggeration. I admit that fears are being raised because of misunderstanding about the Bill and we shall do all we can to allay them. There is a great deal of misreading of the Bill's provisions.
§ Mr. G. Campbell rose—
§ Mr. LawsonOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it customary to discuss on the Floor of the House the provisions of 1341 a Bill which is at present being considered by a Standing Committee?
§ Mr. SpeakerIt may be referred to.
§ Mr. CampbellDo the hon. Gentleman and the Secretary of State consider that the Bill, if enacted in its present form, will be good for Scotland?