HC Deb 07 June 1972 vol 838 cc94-5W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the European Economic Commission's proposals for a European Economic Community licensing system for capacity control over domestic road haulage; to what extent this envisages a form of control over haulage tariffs; whether he has discussed this with the trade unions and employers in the industry; and what has been their response.

Mr. Peyton

The proposals, which embraced tariff control, were published in 1967 but are now unlikely to make progress in their present form. In the circumstances detailed discussions are hardly appropriate.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community as from January, 1976, the hours of drivers of road vehicles in the carrier service will be restricted to an eight to nine-hour limit of driving time in the working day, excluding rest periods; whether this will apply to freight and passenger operations alike; and whether it will apply to all transport operations anywhere in Great Britain, including those of certain local authority services.

Mr. Peyton

EEC Regulation No.543/69 will apply to drivers of goods vehicles of over 3.5 metric tons gross weight and those passenger vehicles suitable for more than 8 passengers not engaged on regular services with a route not exceeding 50 kilometres. Certain exemptions are provided, including ambulances and vehicles belonging to drainage, water and highway authorities.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what negotiations he has had with the European Economic Community on subsidy arrangements for railways and the treatment of State or other aid in railway accounts; to what extent rail and road carriers will be obliged under the European Coal and Steel Community to publish rates for coal and steel traffic; and whether Her Majesty's Government will be able to give subsidies for fares and freight transport without European Economic Community agreement, on entry into the Common Market.

Mr. Peyton

Discussions with the Commission will be held as and when necessary to determine the practical application to British transport of the rules governing these matters.