European Council of Transport Ministers

HC Deb 11 May 1982 vol 23 cc244-5W

Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what issues are currently under consideration by the European Council of Transport Ministers; what decisions have been taken since May 1979; what matters he anticipates will be decided in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Howell

The main inland transport issues under current consideration by the EC Council of Ministers are the development of combined transport; support for transport infrastructure; vehicle weights and dimensions; competition from east European road hauliers; technical requirements for inland waterways vessels; measures affecting the railways; and measures in the field of road passenger transport. I hope that most of these can be agreed in the next 12 months. A number of other measures remain formally before the Council, but prospects for agreement on these look more remote. Major decisions taken by the Transport Council since May 1979 are as follows:

6 December 1979 Decision on the adjustment of capacity for the carriage of goods by road for hire or reward between Member States. Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No. 3164/76 on the Community Quota for the carriage of goods by road between Member States. Directive amending the first Directive on the establishment of common rules for certain types of carriage of goods by road between Member States. Fourth Supplementary Agreement to the Agreement of 21 March 1955 on the establishment of through international railway tariffs.

24 June 1980 Directive on statistical returns in respect of the carriage of goods by inland waterway, as part of regional statistics. Directive on statistical returns in respect of the carriage of goods by rail, as part of regional statistics.

4 December 1980 Directive on the introduction of a Community driving licence. Resolution on the application of Council Regulation (EEC) 543/69 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport. Directive for co-operation and mutual assistance between Member States in the field of accident investigation. Council Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No. 3164/76 on the Community Quota for the carriage of goods by road by Member States.

26 March 1981 Resolution concerning work in the transport sector during the period up to the end of 1983.

15 December 1981 Resolution on Community railway policy. Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No. 3164/76 on the Community Quota for the carriage of goods by road between Member States. Draft Directive amending:

1. (i) the first Council Directive of 23 July 1962 on the establishment of common rules for certain types of carriage of goods by road between Member States.
2. (ii) Directive 65/269/EEC.

Resolution on Community support for transport infrastructure. Decision on the opening of negotiations between the EC and Austria in the transport sector.