§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his policy towards working time in the road transport sector, with particular reference to the current Commission proposals. [80157]
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§ Dr. ReidThe Government have implemented the extant Working Time Directive in the UK and accepts the principle of extending working time legislation to transport generally. However, we believe that any controls should reflect the needs of business and employees and the public and should include sufficient flexibility to take account of their particular operational needs. We have particular concerns about the scope, derogations and night work provisions. We are addressing these issues in the European Union with a view to securing a Directive in the currently excluded sectors which is balanced and sensible.