§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Trans-port if he will compare the current position on axle weights in the several States of the EEC; and what steps have been taken to harmonise the position.
§ Mr. FowlerThe maximum weight allowed for any single axle of heavy road vehicles in general use in EEC member States is as follows:
10 tonnes
Germany, Holland, Denmark.
10.16 tonnes
United Kingdom, Ireland.
12tonnes
Italy.
13tonnes
France, Belgium, Luxembourg.
724WThe EEC Commission has for many years sought agreement to a common scheme. Its latest proposals are set out in detail in a draft Council directive 4088/79 dated 10 January 1979, copies of which are available at the Vote Office. The proposals provide for the maximum axle weight to be 10 tonnes except for the sole driving axle, which may be 11 tonnes. These proposals are being considered by the European Economic and Social Committee and must be considered by the European Parliament before coming to the Council of Ministers for decision. The inquiry I have announced will look into this question.