§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the potential implications for the competitiveness of the road transport industry when EEC rules on cabotage come into force in the United Kingdom, with specific reference to the differing safety standards applicable in the road transport and cabotage industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyA recent study on the impact of cabotage carried out by the Polytechnic of Central 909W London has shown that there are likely to be more opportunities to be grasped by United Kingdom hauliers when cabotage is carried out under conditions of fair competition than there will be for foreign hauliers.
Work within the EC is directed at gradually achieving common conditions. There is already agreement on drivers' hours and tachograph recording.
£ million 1980 1981 1982 1983 11984–85 1985–86 1986–87 11987–48 Revenue support grant required 142 113 156 213 214 105 69 45 Investment DLR net of external contributions — — — — 15 17 8 22 Other 190 203 162 204 192 212 241 248 Total 190 203 162 204 207 229 249 270 Funded by: Capital grant 179 186 161 200 151 244 240 194 Internal resources 11 17 1 4 56 (15) 9 76 1 Fifteen months. 2 Forecast.