HC Deb 20 February 1990 vol 167 cc606-7W
Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the likely impact on road haulage rates of the implementation of the single European market.

Mr. Atkins

I refer the hon. Member to my answer to him today about the effect on the domestic market. Road haulage rates in the United Kingdom are subject to market pricing and this should also apply to rates across the liberalised transport services of the single European market.

Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria he has established for monitoring the introduction of the transitional road cabotage system from July for its effects on competition.

Mr. Atkins

We want to see United Kingdom hauliers making full use of the available cabotage permits. The Department will monitor applications for permits and the use made of them. The Department will also be liaising closely with industry representatives.

Each member state is required to send data to the Commission quarterly on cabotage operations carried out by its hauliers. This is to enable the Commission to analyse the overall effect of the trial scheme in preparation for the definitive scheme from 1992.

Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in achieving harmonisation of the conditions of competition between road haulage companies in the member states of the European Community prior to implementation of the single European market.

Mr. Atkins

Agreement has been reached on common social conditions (drivers' hours and tachographs), on rules for access to the profession, on weights and dimensions, and on enforcement. A draft directive on the harmonisation of vehicle taxes for heavy goods vehicles is under discussion.

Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what safeguards he intends to introduce with the implementation of the single European market to protect the interests of the United Kingdom domestic hire or reward haulage companies against unfair competition by international hauliers.

Mr. Atkins

I refer the hon. Member to my answer to his previous question. We shall enforce the agreed rules. United Kingdom road hauliers are among the most competitive in Europe and have much experience of operating in a deregulated market.