§ 11. Mr. Cadburyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has had so far from industry supporting the Government's White Paper on "Lorries, People and the Environment."
§ Mr. David HowellThe CBI, the Freight Transport Association, the Road Haulage Association, the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, and many other employers and trade associations have supported our White Paper, with its comprehensive approach to the lorry problem, which meets both environmental and economic needs. Companies in the food, chemical, building materials, motor and other industries have also welcomed our proposals.
§ Mr. CadburyDoes my right hon. Friend agree that, provided Armitage's recommendations are carried out, the introduction of 40-tonne lorries will bring environmental benefits to Britain, as well as cost benefits to the consumer? Does he further agree that if we do not allow a heavier lorry in Britain it will be a serious blow to the British truck industry, which needs a domestic market to develop such a vehicle if it is ever to compete successfully overseas?
§ Mr. HowellI agree with my hon. Friend. It is not often that an issue arises when three valuable objectives can be advanced at once, namely, improvements in the environment, improvement in industrial competitiveness and improvement in the prospect for jobs. It will also provide export opportunities. When such an opportunity arises, we would be unwise to turn it down.
§ Mr. StoddartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that all the representations in the world from various organisations will not convince the British public that they can trust the freight transport industry? Does he agree that for a long time that industry has let down the public by allowing lorries into places where they should not go, damaging the environment beyond repair and beyond endurance? Does he not realise that before he gets the support of the House for a 40-tonne lorry, the road transport industry must do a great deal more to convince the public that it will behave better in future?
§ Mr. HowellThe hon. Gentleman is looking at the issue from too narrow a basis. The reality is that road freight in Britain is considerable, and is bound to increase with economic growth—whether or not the railways 967 succeed in winning back more freight. It is necessary to pursue a comprehensive approach that harmonises the environment with extensive road freight. The Government's White Paper shows the way forward, and pro-environmentalists who oppose it are on the wrong side of the argument.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. This subject arises again on question 13.