§ Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the position with regard to negotiations concerning the limits imposed by West Germany on the number of British lorries which can deliver goods from the United Kingdom into West Germany.
§ Mr. PeytonThe 1971–72 quota was recently fixed at 3,750 journeys, an increase of approximately 20 per cent. on1970–71. In addition a co-operation quota of 500 journeys was agreed. The N.A.T.O. and road/rail quotas remain140W unchanged at 1,600 and 200 journeys respectively.
§ Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what restrictions are imposed on the number of lorries entering the United Kingdom from European countries to deliver goods, and how these restrictions compare with similar restrictions imposed by each of the European countries concerned;
(2) if he will provide particulars of the present number of permits allowed to British commercial vehicles to transport goods from the United Kingdom into each of the countries of Europe; whether he is satisfied with the present limitations imposed; and what steps are being taken in respect of each country to obtain greater facilities.
§ Mr. PeytonGeneral quota restrictions under bilateral agreements apply reciprocally. Under current agreements, British goods vehicles are permitted into European countries as follows:
In countries where there is no bilateral agreement, British hauliers must apply to the authorities there. In general these countries are not restrictive. Similarly, foreign hauliers must obtain British short term operators' licences, which are issued 141W without restriction as to numbers. Bilateral agreements are in various stages of negotiation with Bulgaria, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland.
Austria 42 vehicles of one country may be in the order at any one time. Belgium No restrictions. Czechoslovakia No restrictions. France General—17,000 journeys per annum. Road/rail—3,000 journeys per annum (half convertible to general quota). Co-operation—2,000 journeys per annum. Germany (Federal Republic). General—3,750 journeys per annum. Road/rail—200 journeys per annum. NATO traffic—1,600 journeys per annum. Co-operation—1,500 journeys per annum. Italy General—3,000 journeys per annum. Road/rail—1,200 journeys per annum (200 convertible to general quota). Refrigerated vehicles—200 journeys per annum. Netherlands No restrictions. Norway No restrictions. Rumania No restrictions. Sweden No restrictions. Yugoslavia General—2,500 journeys per annum. For France, Germany and Italy the quotas are seriously inadequate for British hauliers. Every opportunity is taken to press for increases.
§ Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent the prices of British exports to Europe are increased by the present limitations on the number of British road vehicles permitted to deliver goods in Europe.
§ Mr. PeytonI regret that this information is not available.