§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how much of the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund was spent in 2001–02 and 2002–03; how much will be spent in 2003–04; and to what purpose any balance will be put;–[114087]
(2) if he will make it the policy of his Department to invest the unspent balance of the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund in training for drivers; and if he will make a statement. [114086]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 16 May 2003]I refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given him today ref. [114072].
§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the projects which the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund has supported; and the expenditure on each. [114072]
§ Mr. JamiesonDfT has spent the following on the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund (RHMF) in England:
- 2001–02: £6.07 million
- 2002–03: £8.61 million
Just as in 2001–02 and 2002–03, spend in the final year of the fund in England (2003–04) will be determined by industry demand for fund schemes. Demand has been disappointingly low. The road haulage modernisation fund in England requires a shift by industry towards better business practices. It is therefore reliant on industry taking up what is on offer. All schemes in 180W England have been worked up with the industry through the Road Haulage Forum and its subgroups. The projects supported so far include:
- Clean Up haulage: £3.93 million
- Enforcement in GB: £5.9 million
- Fuel Economy Advisers: £2.53 million
- Modernising Operator Scheme (pilot): £0.19 million
- Training Schemes: £2.13 million (made up of Young Drivers Scheme, Modern Apprenticeships, Investment in Training, Training simulator, driver shortage survey)
In addition to the projects above other projects are coming on stream this year, and are supported by the fund in England. They include:
- Driver Development Scheme
- Driver Simulator Project
- Respect for People Scheme
- Careers Website
- Modernising Operator Scheme (main scheme)
These schemes are extant and can be applied for by industry operators now.
The RHMF was announced as a 3-year, ring-fenced fund and subject to take-up by the industry. As such there is no balance available for reallocation. However, all schemes under the RHMF will be evaluated and decisions taken on whether there is justification to extend any of them separately. The Department continues to discuss with the industry on how best to promote modernisation within the industry.
Separate funds for road haulage modernisation exist in the Devolved Administrations.