§ Mr. Simon Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations he has received regarding the increased vehicle excise duty on 32.5 to 38 tonne lorries announced on 15 March; and if he will make a statement on its effects on the road haulage industry.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI have received representations from the Road Haulage Association and others about vehicle excise duty on heavier lorries. The Budget changes in VED, which constitutes between 2 and 6 per cent. of lorry operating costs, resulted in reductions in rates for 315,000 lighter and less damaging lorries and increases for 190,000 heavier, more damaging vehicles. I fully appreciate the problems currently faced by the haulage industry, but the Government have to balance these against its commitment, endorsed by the Armitage inquiry, that lorries should pay for the road costs they cause.