§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the proposal by the EEC Commission that 40-ton lorries should have the right of access to United Kingdom roads by 1997 is being considered by the Council of Ministers; and if the matter will fall to be considered by majority vote.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyI understand that the Commission report will be submitted formally to the Council shortly. It should be considered during the forthcoming Spanish Presidency.
The United Kingdom derogations from 40 tonnes and from 11.5 tonnes axle loading were granted under article 75(3) of the treaty which requires unanimity.
We shall have to demonstrate that the conditions under which the derogations were granted will still apply as we progress with our bridge-strengthening programme.