HL Deb 22 June 1993 vol 547 cc232-3

3 p.m.

Lord Thomson of Monifieth asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will include the ports of Sheerness and Ramsgate in their proposals for the European Community's trans-European network maps.

The Minister of State, Department of Transport (The Earl of Caithness)

My Lords, no.

Lord Thomson of Monifieth

My Lords, is the Minister aware that that is a rather disappointing Answer? Will he not reconsider the issue on the basis that the inclusion of Ramsgate and Sheerness in the trans-European network programme would be an extremely valuable boost to employment in an area along the north Kent corridor which is suffering a good deal, and would also help to avoid the danger of congestion throughout the county of Kent?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, the question of development in that area is separate from the trans-European network. That is an idea put forward in the Commission and is being discussed at Council level to try to iron out the bottlenecks of traffic throughout Europe.

Ramsgate and Sheerness are not specifically on a trans-European network which is why they have been excluded from the discussions so far with regard to ports. However, I understand the point about improving communications and the environment locally. That is why the Government are contributing so handsomely to the Thanet Way, which is costing more than £100 million.

Lord Clinton-Davis

My Lords, is the Minister aware that government Ministers today seem to be overworking themselves in their initial responses? Will the Minister indicate to the House what integration of intermodal transportation measures are currently being promoted by the Government?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, at the transport council on 7th and 8th June a political agreement was reached on three trans-European networks: first, combined transport on rail; secondly, road; and thirdly, inland waterways. Therefore, there has been political agreement and the matter is now with the European Parliament.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

My Lords, in view of the business still to come, is Maastricht on that map?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, no, the town of Maastricht is not on the map but in the Maastricht Treaty there is reference to trans-European networks.

Lord Stoddart of Swindon

My Lords, Maastricht will be on the map this afternoon. Is the noble Earl aware that there is considerable anxiety about the intrusion of Europe into our transportation networks? Is he aware also that many people are very worried that our planning regulations and systems could be undermined by the institutions of the EC? Will he confirm that where the Community insists on road networks in this country, it will not be able to insist that they are paid for by the British taxpayer?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, with due respect to the noble Lord. I believe that he has misunderstood the purpose of the programme which comprises guidelines. It is far national governments to decide what exactly should be the infrastructure within their countries. The noble Lord will be one of the first to agree that within Europe we need good communications for freight and for our goods so that they can move speedily from all parts of this country to their destination in Europe.

Baroness Seear

My Lords, is the noble Earl aware that the last thing that the noble Lord, Lord Stoddart, wants is good communications with Europe?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, that may be so. However, I know from previous debates that the noble Lord, Lord Stoddart, is very keen that we should export British goods quickly and efficiently.

Lord Clinton-Davis

My Lords, will the Minister accept from this side of the House our congratulations to the European Community transport Ministers on their decision to take real action in relation to road haulage, which has been held up over many years now? That is a marked act of advance on the part of transport Ministers and they need to be congratulated from time to time.

The Earl of Caithness

I thank the noble Lord.

Lord Stoddart of Swindon

My Lords, will the noble Earl accept that I am all for good communications with Europe and I do not wish to see them obstructed by a bureaucratic set-up such as is envisaged by the Maastricht Treaty?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, that is why the noble Lord has the benefit of subsidiarity.

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