§ 3. Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his progress in discussing EEC attempts to raise maximum lorry weights.
§ The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)There has been no meeting of Council Transport Ministers since last December, when the matter was left open for continued discussion this year.
§ Mr. DeakinsHas the decision of this Parliament been conveyed to the appropriate Common Market authorities? If so, what need is there for further discussions with the Common Market?
§ Mr. RipponThe discussion will proceed in the light of the views that were clearly expressed by both sides of the House in the debate to which the hon. Gentleman referred.
§ Mr. Peter ReesWill my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind, and convey to the Ministers in Brussels, that whatever the long-term economic advantages of raising lorry weights, the road system of East Kent, which bears the brunt of this traffic, is not now, and is not likely to be for some years, adapted to increasing axle weights and overall weights?
§ Mr. RipponYes, Sir.
§ Mr. PavittIn case the right hon. and learned Gentleman is not successful, will he take immediate steps to consult his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary with a view to imposing traffic restrictions in central London, so that long vehicles, for example, may proceed only when they have been cleared by the Metropolitan police, with appropriate escorts?
§ Mr. RipponThat is another issue. I have considerable sympathy with the hon. Gentleman's view.