§ 51. Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has held with his French counterpart regarding difficulties faced by British hauliers as a result of the industrial dispute in France. [14896]
§ Dr. StrangAt a meeting in Paris on 28 October, just before the dispute started, I told the French transport Minister that in the event of disruption I looked to his Government to ensure free passage for UK lorries, to secure the well-being of any British drivers blocked in France and to deal promptly and sympathetically with any claims for compensation. I spoke similarly to the French ambassador at a meeting in London on 4 November once the strike had started.