HC Deb 03 November 1986 vol 103 cc335-6W
16. Mr. Gerald Howarth

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of the European Council of Transport Ministers under the British presidency.

Mr. Moore

Useful progress has been made in preparation for Transport Council meetings on 10–11 November and 15–16 December. The informal Council last month showed that there is a willingness to make progress on the liberalisation of air transport, and we shall be pressing for agreement on a package of liberal measures for a three-year first step towards the 1992 target date for completion of the Community's internal market. On shipping we are building on the substantial measure of agreement already reached on three of the four proposed shipping regulations with the aim of adopting a comprehensive package in December. We shall also be pressing for progress on road haulage liberalisation on the basis of Commission proposals expected shortly.