§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he will take to ensure fair competition for UK hauliers when cabotage restrictions end on 1 July. [47192]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonAlthough formal cabotage restrictions end on 1 July, cabotage operations have been possible, under cover of permits, since 1990. To date, no adverse effects on UK operators have been observed. We have no reason to believe this will change. At the same time, UK hauliers have begun to increase their activities abroad and are well placed to benefit from this further liberalisation of the market.