§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the change in the number of British-owned road haulage firms over the next year. [77286]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonMy Department does not hold information on the numbers of British owned road haulage firms. Road haulage companies based in Great Britain are required to hold a goods vehicle operator's licence, issued by the local Traffic Commissioner, for each traffic area in which they have an operating centre: so many of the larger companies will hold more than one licence. Figures for the number of licences in issue each year from 1993–97 show a cumulative decline of418W some 9 per cent. over the period. Figures for 1997–98 show a slight increase, 0.5 per cent., over the previous year. I estimate that figures for the current year, ending 31 March, will be similar to those for last year. It is too soon to make any estimates for next year.