§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what obligations are required by EEC regulations concerning the drivers of minibuses; what action he has taken in respect of any such obligations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. GilbertEEC Regulation 543/69 applies to passenger vehicles which are 125W suitable for carrying more than nine persons, including the driver, except where the vehicle is used on regular services on a route not exceeding 50 kilometres, or is a service vehicle used by a public authority, or a vehicle used for the carriage of sick or injured persons. It requires that drivers must be 21 years of age and hold a certificate of professional competence; and lays down drivers' hours, rest periods, and record-keeping obligations. The regulation is due to come into operation on 1st January 1976 for United Kingdom internal journeys. It has been in force for international journeys since April 1973.
I propose to recognise an ordinary driving licence for a motor car as proof of competence for the purpose of Article 5.2(c) of the regulation. A driver who has, or is entitled to hold, a motor car licence on 1st January 1976 will be entitled to drive a minibus with not more than 15 persons inclusive of the driver even if he is under 21. The EEC age limit will apply to licences issued after 1st January. I should like to emphasise that a public service vehicle driver's licence will not be required to drive a minibus, unless it is being operated for hire or reward under the Road Traffic Act 1960.
I have asked for a two-year deferment of the application of the regulation to internal journeys. Moreover, I am currently seeking exemption for private minibuses from all the provisions of the regulation.
In order to lessen the adverse effects of the regulation on commercial vehicles, I am also pressing for amendments to the drivers' hours provisions. However, I would advise drivers going to EEC countries to observe the EEC drivers' hours, and record their driving time in log books.
EEC Regulation 1463/70 requires that passenger vehicles to which Regulation 543/69 applies, registered for the first time on or after 1st January 1976, must have a tachograph installed and in use. Older vehicles must conform from 1st January 1978. I am not at present taking steps to implement this regulation in Great Britain, but British vehicles travelling to the Continent should continue to comply.
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§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the additional transport costs for the economy of Cornwall which will arise from the implementation of the EEC Transport Regulations 543/69 and 1463/70.
§ Dr. GilbertNo such estimate has been made. It would be difficult to make any precise calculation of these costs, but the regional effects are being taken into account.