§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will report the outcome of the meeting of the European Community Council of Transport Ministers held on 10 June.
§ Mr. David HowellOn inland transport items, the Council adopted a directive on the promotion of combined transport and a regulation on the provision of State aids to certain combined transport facilities; a directive on the harmonisation of technical requirements for inland waterway vessels; and a decision on rail freight tariffs. Conclusions were adopted on transport infrastructure aid; on the monitoring of East bloc road haulage; and on international railway co-operation. The Council noted the international bus agreement, which is to be confirmed when the European Parliament has issued its opinion. General discussions also took place on lorry weights and dimensions, and on the European Parliament's resolution on the common transport policy, but these issues were not before the Council for formal decision.