HC Deb 25 February 1981 vol 999 cc867-8
9. Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce his proposals with regard to lorry weights and dimensions.

Mr. Fowler

I welcome any further representations on the Armitage report until mid-March. The Government will come to decisions on the recommendations made in the report after that.

Mr. Moate

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the clear rejection by Armitage of the European Commission suggestion for heavier axle loadings makes the prospect of European agreement on heavier lorries more remote? Does he agree that any decision to change the weight and dimensions of lorries is essentially a matter for Britain alone and that the Armitage report did not make out a strong case on economic or environmental grounds for any significant changes?

Mr. Fowler

It depends on what my hon. Friend means by "significant changes". I entirely agree with his first point. I have made it clear that we shall be making decisions in the British context. From the general interest point of view, there is a balance between the demands of environment and industry. It is wise for the House to take time to investigate the various proposals and the points that have been made by industry.

Mr. Jay

Will the Minister confirm the undertaking given to the House by the Under-Secretary to the effect that any new Government proposals will be brought before the House for debate and decision?

Mr. Fowler

Clearly any proposals about weight made in an order will be brought before the House. Of that there is no question, but the issue has not gone to Ministers yet. We shall consider how best the House can be consulted. We all want consultation on these proposals.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Armitage report is out of print and unobtainable from the Vote Office? Will he give an undertaking that, as we had only a half-day debate earlier, there will be a proper full day's debate on Armitage before the Government reach a conclusion, not afterwards?

Mr. Fowler

I am sure that we can remedy the first matter. On the second point, in reaching our decision we shall consider how the House should be involved. I understand what my hon. Friend is saying. I shall talk to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Mr. Leadbitter

Will the Secretary of State bear in mind that the last time this matter was discussed in the House we were given very short notice? Is he aware that the House was concerned that there should be a full-scale debate on Armitage? Is the Minister aware that it is not a question of the Government considering how best to consult the House but rather a question of the House asserting its right to debate a subject? Will the Minister consider the importance in his proposals—because the time scale brings easement to the industry—of introducing a package in accordance with Armitage in order that environmental and other matters are included in his decision?

Mr. Fowler

I shall talk to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on the first point. I do not think that I can go further than that. On the hon. Gentleman's second point, it is a package of proposals and that is why we intend to take time to consider all the implications. It is a question not only of weight but of other proposals, such as taxation, upon which we are already acting, bypasses, and other such matters. I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman.