§ Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will amend the exemption clauses of the Working Time Directive relating to urban bus drivers.[8670]
§ Ms KeebleAny amendments to the exemptions from the Working Time Directive would be a matter for all member states under qualified majority voting. The UK Government have no current plans to propose such an amendment. However, we announced in the White Paper on integrated transport that we would consult on repeal of the UK drivers' hours rules—under which most bus drivers operate—in favour of the European Union rules. This consultation has subsequently been delayed by discussions, still continuing, on another draft EU Directive on working time in road transport.