HC Deb 28 July 1971 vol 822 cc545-7
1. Mr. Montgomery

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will describe the principal effects of the European Economic Community membership on the United Kingdom's transport industries.

The Minister for Transport Industries (Mr. John Peyton)

Measures already adopted by the Community will apply. Much of the common transport policy is still under discussion among member countries: its main principles are fair competition and no discrimination. British transport will share in opportunities to carry increased trade.

Mr. Montgomery

Does my right hon. Friend consider that the measures so far adopted by the Community to limit Government intervention and to establish competition between the different forms of transport are consistent with the free market conditions under which United Kingdom transport operates?

Mr. Peyton

One of the points which emerge in considering this problem is that the Community has not gone very far along the road to establishing a common transport policy. It would be an advantage if we could have some influence on the formation of such a policy.

Mr. Spearing

If, in concert with any Government's national policy for the regions, British Railways should decide to give preferential rates for Channel Tunnel traffic to the development regions, would that be allowable under the terms of the Treaty of Rome, or not?

Mr. Peyton

I can only describe that question as magnificently hypothetical.

2. Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what aspects of transport policy have been included in Great Britain's negotiations for membership of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Peyton

The major issue has been that of driving hours in road transport. We are seeking an adequate transitional period.

Acceptable arrangements have been agreed on the manner and the times at which a number of other Community rules concerning transport should apply here after accession.

Mr. Fry

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Would he give an assurance that if we join the Community we shall still be able to refuse entry to those extra large commercial vehicles which at the moment are allowed in parts of the Continent but are not allowed here?

Mr. Peyton

At present I have no powers to stop vehicles from coming here. I have already said that I shall be obliged to come to Parliament to seek those powers. At present, the most that the law can do is to summon a driver who is in breach of United Kingdom laws, an exercise which does not seem to be very valuable or very useful when it has to be carried out several hundred miles away, involving proceedings against a person who is not coming back here anyhow.

Mr. Carter

On the subject of transport policy and our possible entry into the E.E.C., does the right hon. Gentleman think that the prospects for the Channel Tunnel will be advanced or retarded if we enter?

Mr. Peyton

It is very difficult for anybody to assess human responses to such a challenge. All I can say is that it would appear that the Channel Tunnel is a project of such merit that it will commend itself even to those who presently oppose it.

Mr. Mulley

Reverting to the question of the size of vehicles and drivers' hours, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will find himself able to make a clear statement on the Government's position on these issues? It is causing concern, both to the trade unions and to road haulage concerns, not knowing, first whether the Minister will seek powers to prohibit the entry of large vehicles and, second, what his policy is about drivers' hours.

Mr. Peyton

I have already said that I am going to seek powers in respect of larger vehicles. As regards drivers' hours, the right hon. Gentleman is in a good position to understand how difficult a problem this is. Some anomalies have been created, and consultations are taking place between my Department, the unions and operators.