HC Deb 05 April 1978 vol 947 cc412-4
2. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied with the implementation of European Economic Community regulations on tachographs to date; and whether he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. William Rodgers)

Together with my colleagues, I am still considering my response to the Commission's recent reasoned opinion on this.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

When the Government have to start enforcing the regulations on 30th June this year, what will the right hon. Gentleman do to enable operators who have installed tachographs to use them?

Mr. Rodgers

The hon. Gentleman is confusing two aspects of Community policy. He referred to the alternative of using a tachograph instead of having two drivers in articulated vehicles for distances of more than 450 kilometres. I have made clear that there will be no enforcement until the end of the year because of the need for a running-in period. The larger issue of tachographs is a separate matter.

Mr. John Evans

Is it not time that my right hon. Friend informed the EEC Commissioners that forcing Britain, an island country, to adopt tachographs for domestic road transport is unnecessary harmonisation for harmonisation's sake? Will he therefore inform the Commissioners that he will not accept their legislation on tachographs for domestic transport?

Mr. Rodgers

I think that our partners in the Community fully understand the point made by my hon. Friend, that there seems no good reason why tachographs should be used domestically. Nevertheless, there are procedures to be gone through and we are due now to respond to the reasoned opinion which the Commission has put to us in the light of our failure to implement tachographs.

Mr. Fry

Surely the Secretary of State recognises that the Government will have to take action at some time to help hauliers who want to operate legally, with regard to the new distance limits, with tachographs fitted in their cabs. Surely it is time that he started discussions with the industry and the unions concerned. Otherwise, there will be continued aggravation and only increased cost for freight movement.

Mr. Rodgers

There is no problem about using a tachograph if anybody wishes to do so. As the House knows, they are used on international journeys, and voluntary agreements can be reached for their use at home. I am very happy to see voluntary agreements. The whole question of tachographs, quite apart from our legal obligations, is one about which union and management can talk together.