§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance he is giving to British lorry drivers; what representations he has made to the appropriate authorities; and what advice he is offering to British firms proposing to send goods by road to or through Spain.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydConsular officers have visited problem areas to check welfare and give advice and financial assistance where needed. We have asked the Spanish central and regional authorities to ensure the safety of British lorry crews and their vehicles.
Our advice is that road transport to and through Spain should be avoided until the dispute is resolved. Vehicles in transit should wait well short of the border.
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§ Mr. SternTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the effects of the Spanish transport operators' industrial action on British trade with Spain.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesIt is too early to be able to quantify the effects. Our immediate concern is to ensure that British drivers caught up in the dispute are given all available consular help and Spanish police protection. We very much hope that the industrial dispute will soon be resolved and that all the British lorries involved will be free to go.