Infrastructure Pricing Reform

HC Deb 24 July 2002 vol 389 c1272W

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the forthcoming European Directive on infrastructure pricing reform. [66059]

Mr. Spellar

The European Commission indicated in its European Transport Policy White Paper that it would propose a framework directive in 2002 to establish the principles of infrastructure charging and a pricing structure for all modes of transport.

The Commission has not yet brought forward its proposals. And, at this stage, it is unclear what it wants to achieve by proposing a common methodology across all modes. Clearly, it would need to be demonstrated that these measures are necessary at a Community level and respect the principles of subsidiarity. It would also be essential that any proposals are based on the appropriate Treaty provisions.