HC Deb 09 May 2002 vol 385 c338W
16. Mr. Bill O'Brien

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the Road Haulage Association on the impact of Budget measures on the road haulage industry; and if he will make a statement. [53558]

Mr. Boateng

Since the Budget, I have chaired a meeting in the Treasury to outline further details about how the Government intend to implement their manifesto commitment to "ensure that hauliers from overseas pay their fair share towards the costs of our roads".

The Road Haulage Association has welcomed the Budget and the Government's proposals to modernise the taxation of the haulage industry, describing them positively as a revolution gathering momentum. The Road Haulage Association's chief executive, a former Member of the House for the party opposite, has even said that this policy could make 2002 the most important year since denationalisation—and perhaps ever.