§ 31. Mr. Nicholas Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the effect on businesses of the implementation of the Greater London (Restriction of Goods Vehicles) Traffic Order.
§ Mr. RidleyI have so far seen no adequate justification by the GLC of its proposals or detailed assessment of the effects. What is clear is that hundreds of firms and trade associations have written voicing concern over the potential impact of the proposals on jobs and prices in London.
§ 34. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he proposes to take following the Greater London council's proposals for a night-time and weekends ban on heavy lorries.
§ 48. Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on the proposals by the Greater London council to ban lorries within the Greater London council area at night and weekends; and what action he proposes to take on this matter.
§ Mr. RidleyI have made clear my view that for a major London-wide proposal of this magnitude a properly constituted public inquiry would provide a well established democratic method of assessment.
I understand the GLC transport committee will be meeting on 21 November to consider the massive response to consultation and the many hundreds of calls for a public inquiry.