§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has made to the Council of Ministers concerning EEC Regulation 543/69 in view of its effect on rural transport.
§ Dr. GilbertI am seeking amendment to the requirements of the regulation in respect of driving hours and rest periods, and exemption for non-commercial minibus operations; both of these will be of help in rural areas. In addition, I have submitted a case to the Commission for a two-year deferment of the application of the regulation to all internal United Kingdom road transport.