HC Deb 03 May 1978 vol 949 cc228-30
16. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the latest position on tachographs.

Mr. William Rodgers

I have nothing to add to what I told the House on 5th and 14th April.

Mr. Marten

If the European Court should rule that we should have tachographs and if we refuse to have them, what is the court's ultimate sanction? Shall we see a type of Euro-tipstaff coming here, like Cromwell, and arresting the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. Rodgers

The hon. Member has put a fearful thought in my mind—a thought that was not previously there. But I do not think that we need form our final view of the state of affairs that will prevail until the European Court has pronounced. I have as yet received no firm indication that a reference has been made to the European Court by the Commission. I have seen Press reports to that effect, but this has not yet been confirmed.

Mr. Madden

Is the Secretary of State aware that even when one finds anyone who voted in favour of Britain's remaining a member of the Common Market, he is rapidly becoming sick to death with the meddling and interference of the Common Market in our milk supplies, in whether or not we keep the British passport, in drivers' hours, in miles, and in many other matters? Will he ensure that the "spy in the cab" is not achieved by the meddling bureaucrats of Brussels?

Mr. Rodgers

My hon. Friend uses harsh language. I think that inevitably the process of being members of the Community has brought problems and even surprises, including those of us who were very much in favour of Britain's joining the Community and remaining there. I can only say that, on the one hand, my own vision is not measured in axle weights, and, on the other hand, that I do not think that the long-term interests of this country will be affected by the sort of pinpricks which I know irritate us all when they come from Brussels from time to time.

Mr. Temple-Morris

Before the Secretary of State is hauled away in irons to the European Court, will he tell us, by way of a fond farewell, whether he will study what the Road Haulage Association had to say about the value of voluntary agreements? What will he do to encourage this very sensible way forward?

Mr. Rodgers

I shall certainly study that. I ought to make it quite clear that I am happy to see voluntary agreements about the use of tachographs. If both sides of the industry want to use them, why should they not do so if they believe that they are an aid to productivity? What is at issue is the compulsory use of tachographs, to which a number of people take strong exception.