§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what progress has been made in securing compensation from the French authorities for British lorry drivers who were stranded during the French lorry driver dispute; [8114]
(2) how many compensation claims made by British lorry drivers who were stranded during the French lorry driver dispute have been met (a) in part and (b) in full by the French authorities to date; [8115]
(3) what has been the average values of compensation paid to British lorry drivers by the French authorities in relation to claims resulting from the French lorry driver dispute; [8116]
(4) how much has been paid in compensation by the French authorities to British lorry drivers stranded during the French lorry driver dispute; [8117]
37W(5) what action he has taken to ensure British lorry drivers' compensation claims resulting from the French lorry driver dispute are met in full by the French authorities. [8118]
§ Mr. WattsMy right hon. Friend obtained firm assurances from the French Transport Minister that claims for damage to vehicles or loads and for loss of earnings will be considered, and as quickly as possible. We are seeking to clarify this week with the French authorities the procedures and administrative arrangements for submitting claims. Thereafter, we shall press the French for swift settlement.