HC Deb 05 December 1979 vol 975 cc244-5W
60. Mr. Iain Mills

asked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied with the numbers of international lorry permits issued to British firms.

Mr. Fowler

No. However I have recently negotiated substantial increases in the quotas for the three countries whose restrictions bite most deeply on British hauliers. The 1980 general quotas for West Germany and Italy will be 75 per cent. and 20 per cent. respectively bigger than those negotiated for 1979. For France, not only will the quotas be increased by 24 per cent. in 1980, but own account traffic with that country will be freed from all quota and permit restrictions from the beginning of next year.

Nevertheless, I shall continue to take every opportunity to press for further relaxations of these restrictions.

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