§ 2. Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union concerning the transfer of freight from road to rail.
§ The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. William Rodgers)None, recently.
§ Mr. BowdenWhat is the present position at Didcot? How does the Secretary of State reconcile his alleged belief in freedom of choice for freight users with what has happened at Didcot in recent months?
§ Mr. RodgersI hope that the problem at Didcot, which has been a proper cause for concern in this House and elsewhere, has been resolved. That is certainly my present understanding.
§ Mr. Raphael TuckWould it not help the transfer of freight from road to rail if heavy lorries were forced to pay the true cost of the wear that they impose on the roads? When will that happen?
§ Mr. RodgersProgress has been made in this direction. There is a Question on the Order Paper today about the matter. Some of the heaviest lorries do not pay their true cost yet, but I hope that they will do so. I agree with my hon. Friend that this is important.
§ Mr. Norman FowlerIs the Secretary of State aware that we, too, welcome the agreement at Didcot? Will he also make clear, however, his absolute commitment to fair competition between freight carriers throughout Britain and give an assurance that he will use all his influence to defeat such strong-arm tactics if they ever arise again?
§ Mr. RodgersI do not think that that is the spirit in which we should now approach this problem. I want to see fair competition between road and rail. I have said so before in the House. Equally, I do not like strong-arm tactics by anyone, at any time, anywhere.