§ 15. Mr. FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the increase in heavy lorries registered outside the United Kingdom on United Kingdom roads after the opening up of the single market; and if he will make a statement on the steps taken to ensure the roadworthiness of such vehicles.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe number of foreign lorries on our roads has risen by 19 per cent. in the past five years. This compares with a 52 per cent. increase in the number of British lorries travelling to the continent in the same period. British and foreign vehicles are checked at ports and at the roadside for compliance with the law on safety, weight limits and drivers' hours.