HC Deb 12 December 1996 vol 287 cc293-4W
Sir Robert Hicks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications his Department has received(a) nationally and (b) from Devon and Cornwall for compensation from regular exporters of fish and fish products as a consequence of the recent French lorry drivers' dispute; and if he will make a statement. [8692]

Mr. Watts

We have had two inquiries on behalf of fishing interests, neither specific to Devon or Cornwall, about eligibility for claiming compensation and the procedure. I am not aware of any claims having yet been submitted to the French authorities.

Sir Robert Hicks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the criteria governing eligibility for compensation for exporters on a regular basis of United Kingdom products to the European Union following the recent lorry drivers' dispute in France; and if he will make a statement. [8708]

Mr. Watts

Any business which can demonstrate, with hard supporting evidence, that it has suffered financial loss as a direct result of the dispute is at liberty to submit a claim for compensation to the French authorities for their consideration. We shall publish shortly details of the arrangements for making claims.