§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the effects of the eventual introduction of cabotage in 1992 in the heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle industries in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyI have been asked to reply.
I refer the hon. Member to my reply earlier today, and to the statement I made to the House on 28 October in replying to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Leith (Mr. Brown).
The introduction of cabotage under conditions of free and fair competition will provide increased business opportunities in Europe for United Kingdom goods and public service vehicle industries. These opportunities will be available to Scottish operators as to the rest of the United Kingdom. I expect that they will make the most of them.