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Type
House
Session
Year
Department
Member
More
Reid of Cardowan, Lord (22)
Primary member
Answering member
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
Freight (22)
More
Publisher
Member
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Type
Proceeding contributions
Legislation
Draft Mental Health Bill (2002)
Subjects
Freight; Railways; Postal services; Roads; Royal Mail; Economic and monetary union; Parliamentary scrutiny; Post office card account
Date
12 June 2003
Reference
406 c845-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Member
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Type
Proceeding contributions
Legislation
Draft Mental Health Bill (2002)
Subjects
Freight; Railways; Postal services; Roads; Royal Mail; Economic and monetary union; Parliamentary scrutiny; Post office card account
Date
12 June 2003
Reference
406 c836
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what proportion of road freight in the United Kingdom originated outside the United Kingdom, in the latest year for which figures are available. - Including figure. (Holding answer 5 May 1999).
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what proportion of road freight in the United Kingdom originated outside the United Kingdom, in the latest year for which figures are available. - Including figure. (Holding answer 5 May 1999).
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 April 1999
For answer on
10 May 1999
Answered on
10 May 1999
Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of road freight in the
United Kingdom originated outside the United Kingdom, in the latest year for which figures are available. [82882]
Dr. Reid: [holding answer 5 May 1999]: In 1997, an estimated 2.5 per cent. of all tonne-kilometres performed in Great Britain, for
both domestic and international haulage, were performed by vehicles originating outside the United Kingdom. Virtually all of this
foreign activity was accounted for by the British part of international journeys by foreign hauliers. Domestic journeys by foreign
hauliers accounted for under 0.04 per cent. of the total Great Britain tonne-kilometres in 1997, which is the last year for which we
have full figures. However, there is some anecdotal evidence that the foreign haulier activity within the UK has been increasing
over the recent years. This is one of the issues we will be addressing through the Road Haulage Forum.
Subjects
Freight; Large goods vehicles; Roads
Date
10 May 1999
Reference
331 c7W; 82882
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what is his estimate of the extent of over-capacity of the road haulage industry in the United Kingdom; what proportion of the road haulage vehicles operating in the UK are (i) UK owned, (ii) UK registered and...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what is his estimate of the extent of over-capacity of the road haulage industry in the United Kingdom; what proportion of the road haulage vehicles operating in the UK are (i) UK owned, (ii) UK registered and...
Asked by
William Ross
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 April 1999
For answer on
21 April 1999
Answered on
21 April 1999
Mr. William Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the extent of
over-capacity of the road haulage industry in the United Kingdom; what proportion of the road haulage vehicles operating in the UK
are (i) UK owned, (ii) UK registered and (iii) from other EU countries. [81154]
Dr. Reid: [holding answer 16 April 1999]: No reliable comprehensive estimate of the over-capacity in the haulage industry in the UK
exists at present but we believe it to be significant. A comprehensive assessment of over-capacity is an issue which may be
addressed as part of the work of the Haulage Industry Forum.
Information on the nationality of ownership of vehicles is not held by my Department. The proportion of international freight
journeys to and from the UK undertaken by UK hauliers in the 12 months ending September 1998--the latest period for which statistics
are available--was 44 per cent., which is little different from the long-term average. In 1997--the latest date for which we have
information--we understand that the overall level of cabotage by EU hauliers within the UK accounted for substantially less than 1
per cent. of total freight moved.
Subjects
EU countries; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Ownership; Nationality; Registration; Roads; Vehicles
Date
21 April 1999
Reference
81154; 329 c549W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list the items he took into account when estimating the running costs of a goods vehicle in (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) each of the other EU countries. - (Holding answer 16 April...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list the items he took into account when estimating the running costs of a goods vehicle in (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) each of the other EU countries. - (Holding answer 16 April...
Asked by
William Ross
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 April 1999
For answer on
21 April 1999
Answered on
21 April 1999
Mr. William Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the items he took
into account when estimating the running costs of a goods vehicle in (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) each of the other EU countries.
[81153]
Dr. Reid: [holding answer 16 April 1999]: The estimates of relative running costs between the UK and certain other EU member states
issued by my Department concerned the relative costs of setting up a fleet of 50 vehicles involved in international transport. Items
taken into account included labour costs and taxes, corporation tax and annual circulation taxes (i.e. vehicle excise duty or its
equivalent). For international operations, the estimates assumed the same levels of fuel costs, because those operating
internationally--whether UK or foreign owned--can take advantage of the lowest fuel costs on their route.
Subjects
Costs; EU countries; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Roads; Operating costs
Date
21 April 1999
Reference
81153; 329 c549W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what was the tonnage of goods transported by the UK road haulage industry in each of the last three years (i) within the UK, (ii) from the UK and (iii) into the UK; and what was the...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what was the tonnage of goods transported by the UK road haulage industry in each of the last three years (i) within the UK, (ii) from the UK and (iii) into the UK; and what was the...
Asked by
William Ross
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 April 1999
For answer on
21 April 1999
Answered on
21 April 1999
Mr. William Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the tonnage of goods
transported by the UK road haulage industry in each of the last three years (i) within the UK, (ii) from the UK and (iii) into the
UK; and what was the tonnage of goods moved by vehicles (a) owned by and (b) operated from other EU countries in each of those
years. [81157]
Dr. Reid: [holding answer 16 April 1999]: The tonnage of goods transported by UK-registered goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross
weight in 1995, 1996 and 1997 (the last three years for which figures are available) was:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Within the UK million tonnes From the UK thousand tonnes Into the UK thousand tonnes
1995 1,655 6,607 6,977
1996 1,683 7,279 7,802
1997 1,693 7,539 7,984
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Statistics are unavailable about vehicles owned by or operated from other EU countries. However, figures suggest that the amount of
local cabotage carried out by foreign registered trucks was significantly less than 1 per cent. This is an issue which may be
addressed by the Road Haulage Forum.
Subjects
EU countries; Exports; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Imports; Transport; Roads
Date
21 April 1999
Reference
329 c548-9W; 81157
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list the amount of subsidy paid to the road haulage industry in each European Union country in the last financial year; and if he will indicate the basis on which such help is determined....
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list the amount of subsidy paid to the road haulage industry in each European Union country in the last financial year; and if he will indicate the basis on which such help is determined....
Asked by
William Ross
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 April 1999
For answer on
21 April 1999
Answered on
21 April 1999
Mr. William Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the amount of subsidy
paid to the road haulage industry in each European Union country in the last financial year; and if he will indicate the basis on
which such help is determined. [81158]
Dr. Reid: [holding answer 16 April 1999]: Explicit subsidy to the road haulage industry in EU Member States is generally prohibited
by European Community State Aid rules, but assistance can be provided to promote research or the development of more economical
transport systems and technologies, to eliminate excess capacity which causes serious structural problems, to facilitate the
development of combined transport or to compensate for public service obligations. Information is not available about the extent to
which such payments are made in other Member States.
However, there is considerable variance in the extent to which the road haulage industries in Member States meet their full
costs--to the economy, environment and infrastructure. This depends on the levels of taxation and haulage industry-related
expenditure in each country.
Subjects
EU countries; Industry; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Roads; Subsidies
Date
21 April 1999
Reference
329 c548W; 81158
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he last met representatives of the road haulage industry; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he last met representatives of the road haulage industry; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Christine Butler
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 March 1999
For answer on
13 April 1999
Answered on
13 April 1999
Mrs. Butler: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he last met representatives of the
road haulage industry; and if he will make a statement. [78921]
Dr. Reid: I chaired a very constructive, long and in-depth first meeting of the Road Haulage Forum on Thursday 8 April. Together
with my noble Friend the Under-Secretary and my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, I met representatives of the
Freight Transport association, the Road Haulage Association and the Transport and General Workers Union.
We are going to jointly examine, in the shortest period of time, the state of the competitiveness of the haulage industry and take
external independent views where necessary to inform our discussions. We will take into account the influencing factors, with a view
to looking at potential solutions.
In addition, we will look at a range of other issues, for example, offering special assistance to small haulage businesses.
I hope that all hauliers will now agree that dialogue, not disruption, is the way forward.
Subjects
Industry; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Roads; Freight Transport Association; Transport and General Workers Union; Road Haulage Association
Date
13 April 1999
Reference
78921; 329 c51-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, When he last met representatives of the road haulage industry to discuss prospects for the industry; and if he will make a statement. (Failed OPQ). - Inc ref to 329 c51-2W, 13 April 1999.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, When he last met representatives of the road haulage industry to discuss prospects for the industry; and if he will make a statement. (Failed OPQ). - Inc ref to 329 c51-2W, 13 April 1999.
Asked by
James Plaskitt
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 March 1999
For answer on
13 April 1999
Answered on
13 April 1999
Mr. Plaskitt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he last met representatives of the
road haulage industry to discuss prospects for the industry; and if he will make a statement. [78838]
Dr. Reid: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Castle Point (Mrs. Butler). We
had a very constructive first meeting of the Road Haulage Forum on Thursday 8 March.
Subjects
Industry; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Roads
Date
13 April 1999
Reference
78838; 329 c51W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, If he will make a statement on the level of freight costs in (a) the UK and (b) other EU member states.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, If he will make a statement on the level of freight costs in (a) the UK and (b) other EU member states.
Asked by
Alan W Williams
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 March 1999
For answer on
13 April 1999
Answered on
13 April 1999
Subjects
Costs; EU countries; Excise duties; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Germany; France; Roads; Italy
Date
13 April 1999
Reference
329 c7-8; 78820
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Alan W Williams
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Oral answers to questions
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, If he will make a statement on the level of freight costs in (a) the UK and (b) other EU member states.
Subjects
Costs; EU countries; Excise duties; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Germany; France; Roads; Italy
Date
13 April 1999
Reference
329 c7-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Mark Todd
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Oral answers to questions
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, If he will make a statement on road freight costs in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) other EU member states.
Subjects
Costs; EU countries; Environment protection; Industry; Excise duties; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Roads; Taxation
Date
13 April 1999
Reference
329 c7-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, If he will make a statement on road freight costs in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) other EU member states.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, If he will make a statement on road freight costs in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) other EU member states.
Asked by
Mark Todd
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 March 1999
For answer on
13 April 1999
Answered on
13 April 1999
Subjects
Costs; EU countries; Environment protection; Industry; Excise duties; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Roads; Taxation
Date
13 April 1999
Reference
329 c7-8; 78828
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The Governments roads policies. Seventh opposition day debate (part 2). Motion negatived on division (302 to 121). Amendment agreed to on division (272 to 123).
The Governments roads policies. Seventh opposition day debate (part 2). Motion negatived on division (302 to 121). Amendment agreed to on division (272 to 123).
Lead member
Baroness Shephard of Northwold
Answering member
Lord Reid of Cardowan
Department
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Opposition days
Subjects
Construction; Finance; Fees and charges; Excise duties; Freight; Motor vehicles; Road traffic; Roads; Taxation; Repairs and maintenance
Date
18 March 1999
Reference
327 c1322-72
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if the Strategic Rail Authority will have (a) a duty and (b) a power to influence matters outside the rail industry but which nevertheless affect it, with particular reference to maximum lorry weights. - (Holding answer 5...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if the Strategic Rail Authority will have (a) a duty and (b) a power to influence matters outside the rail industry but which nevertheless affect it, with particular reference to maximum lorry weights. - (Holding answer 5...
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 March 1999
For answer on
9 March 1999
Answered on
9 March 1999
Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Strategic Rail Authority will have
(a) a duty and (b) a power to influence matters outside the rail industry but which nevertheless affect it, with particular
reference to maximum lorry weights. [74831]
Dr. Reid: [holding answer 5 March 1999]: The Strategic Rail Authority will act as a champion for the railways, taking an overview of
the industry and speaking for it, subject to Parliamentary consideration of the necessary legislation. The Strategic Rail Authority
will be consulted by the Commission for Integrated Transport as part of its remit in advising the Government on lorry weights and
the development of railfreight.
Subjects
Freight; Railways; Transport; Roads; Strategic Rail Authority
Date
9 March 1999
Reference
327 c159W; 74831
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if the Strategic Rail Authority will have a duty to promote the transfer of freight from road to rail. - (Holding answer 5 March 1999).
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if the Strategic Rail Authority will have a duty to promote the transfer of freight from road to rail. - (Holding answer 5 March 1999).
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 March 1999
For answer on
9 March 1999
Answered on
9 March 1999
Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Strategic Rail Authority will have a
duty to promote the transfer of freight from road to rail. [74850]
Dr. Reid: [holding answer 5 March 1999]: Subject to Parliament's consideration of the necessary legislation, the Strategic Rail
Authority will have a duty to promote integrated transport and powers to promote the transfer of freight from road to rail by means
of grants. One of the Strategic Rail Authority's most important tasks will be to address the needs of freight as well as passengers,
and the balance between the demands of each.
Subjects
Freight; Railways; Transport; Roads; Strategic Rail Authority
Date
9 March 1999
Reference
74850; 327 c159W
House
House of Commons
Statement on the outcome of the EC Transport Council of 30th November to 1st December.
Statement on the outcome of the EC Transport Council of 30th November to 1st December.
Asked by
Bernard Jenkin
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 December 1998
For answer on
8 December 1998
Answered on
8 December 1998
Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the outcome of the Transport Council
held in Brussels on 30 November; and if he will make a statement. [62328]
Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the outcome
of the EC Transport Council of 30 November to 1 December. [62943]
Dr. Reid: The Transport Council met in Brussels on 30 November and 1 December. I and my hon. Friend the Minister for Transport in
London represented the United Kingdom.
The Council agreed a common position on one legislative proposal and reached agreement on transport negotiations with Switzerland.
It also agreed a report to the Vienna European Council on integration of environmental requirements into transport policy, and held
useful discussions in several other important areas of land, air and maritime transport policy.
In land transport, the Council agreed a common position on a directive on heavy goods vehicle taxation and charges (known as the
"Eurovignette" directive). This was a difficult dossier, to which successive Presidencies, including our own, had contributed. The
Council also reached agreement on the outcome of the European Commission's transport negotiations with Switzerland on behalf of the
European Community. The complete package of negotiations with Switzerland, on transport and other items, will be finalised by the
General Affairs Council.
There was a debate on two directives amending the rules promoting combined transport. Although there was general support for the
underlying aim, there were concerns about the proposals as drafted. Among these were the UK's concern that, at least in the UK, the
proposals would not have the desired effect of encouraging a shift of freight from road to rail, and would be likely to have
perverse effects. In the absence of sufficient support the Presidency asked for further work to be done by the Committee of
Permanent Representatives (COREPER).
There was further discussion of the Commission's legislative proposals to establish a regulatory framework for the Community's
railways. The UK strongly supports the proposals and referred to the Treaty requirement for progressive abolition of barriers to
freedom to provide services. Following the discussion, the Presidency asked for further work to be done on the proposals.
Two measures were discussed relating to inland waterways, neither of which applies to the UK. Broad agreement was reached on a
measure to extend a fleet capacity management programme, and the Council discussed a draft amending directive on technical standards
for inland waterways vessels.
On air transport, the Presidency concluded that there was insufficient support for the draft conclusions which it had tabled on a
full Community negotiating mandate for air transport negotiations with the US, and asked for further work to be carried out.
Disagreement between Spain and the UK over application to Gibraltar Airport prevented the Council agreeing a draft amending
Regulation which would improve compensation arrangements for air passengers who are denied boarding on overbooked flights. The UK
reaffirmed its strong support for the measure and rejected Spanish claims that Gibraltar Airport should be suspended from its
application, pointing out that this would remove rights conferred on users of Gibraltar Airport by the original Regulation. The
Presidency noted the Commission's request for further work on a Regulation on aviation statistics which has not progressed since
1996 when disagreement on application to Gibraltar Airport prevented its adoption. The Council also discussed a draft Directive
providing for ramp checks on third country aircraft using EU airports which had previously been agreed, because Spain had now
requested suspension of the application of the measure to Gibraltar Airport. The UK confirmed its support for the text agreed by the
Council, regretting that Spain had objected to this important safety measure at such a late stage.
The Council noted the Commission's reports on the progress of negotiations to establish a European Aviation Safety Authority, for
Community membership of Eurocontrol, and on extending the single aviation market to ten central and eastern European countries. The
Council also noted progress on the draft Directive on airport charging, and received a report on the outcome of the 32nd meeting of
the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal.
In maritime transport, there was a debate on the draft directive on ferry manning conditions. The UK made clear its strong support
for the proposal, which would protect Community seafarer employment. Some Member States thought that more information was needed
about the impact of the proposal. At the Presidency's request, the Commission agreed to produce a report on the directive's likely
impact and inform a future Council of progress.
The Council agreed a report on integrating environmental requirements into transport policy, to go to the European Council in Vienna
on 11-12 December. The report outlines progress to date and indicates that the Council will draw up an ambitious phased work
programme, a first report on which will be discussed by the end of 1999.
Under other business, the Commission presented its proposal for new working time rules in the road and maritime sectors, and
presented its report on the development of transport Trans-European Networks.
Subjects
Aviation; Airports; Ferries; Inland waterways; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Gibraltar; EU action; Railways; Transport; Roads; Taxation; Switzerland; Spain; EU transport policy; EU environmental policy; EC Transport Council; Gibraltar Airport
Date
8 December 1998
Reference
322 c118-20W; 62943
House
House of Commons
Statement on what was the outcome of the Transport Council held in Brussels on 30th November.
Statement on what was the outcome of the Transport Council held in Brussels on 30th November.
Asked by
Jim Hood
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 1998
For answer on
8 December 1998
Answered on
8 December 1998
Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the outcome of the Transport Council
held in Brussels on 30 November; and if he will make a statement. [62328]
Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the outcome
of the EC Transport Council of 30 November to 1 December. [62943]
Dr. Reid: The Transport Council met in Brussels on 30 November and 1 December. I and my hon. Friend the Minister for Transport in
London represented the United Kingdom.
The Council agreed a common position on one legislative proposal and reached agreement on transport negotiations with Switzerland.
It also agreed a report to the Vienna European Council on integration of environmental requirements into transport policy, and held
useful discussions in several other important areas of land, air and maritime transport policy.
In land transport, the Council agreed a common position on a directive on heavy goods vehicle taxation and charges (known as the
"Eurovignette" directive). This was a difficult dossier, to which successive Presidencies, including our own, had contributed. The
Council also reached agreement on the outcome of the European Commission's transport negotiations with Switzerland on behalf of the
European Community. The complete package of negotiations with Switzerland, on transport and other items, will be finalised by the
General Affairs Council.
There was a debate on two directives amending the rules promoting combined transport. Although there was general support for the
underlying aim, there were concerns about the proposals as drafted. Among these were the UK's concern that, at least in the UK, the
proposals would not have the desired effect of encouraging a shift of freight from road to rail, and would be likely to have
perverse effects. In the absence of sufficient support the Presidency asked for further work to be done by the Committee of
Permanent Representatives (COREPER).
There was further discussion of the Commission's legislative proposals to establish a regulatory framework for the Community's
railways. The UK strongly supports the proposals and referred to the Treaty requirement for progressive abolition of barriers to
freedom to provide services. Following the discussion, the Presidency asked for further work to be done on the proposals.
Two measures were discussed relating to inland waterways, neither of which applies to the UK. Broad agreement was reached on a
measure to extend a fleet capacity management programme, and the Council discussed a draft amending directive on technical standards
for inland waterways vessels.
On air transport, the Presidency concluded that there was insufficient support for the draft conclusions which it had tabled on a
full Community negotiating mandate for air transport negotiations with the US, and asked for further work to be carried out.
Disagreement between Spain and the UK over application to Gibraltar Airport prevented the Council agreeing a draft amending
Regulation which would improve compensation arrangements for air passengers who are denied boarding on overbooked flights. The UK
reaffirmed its strong support for the measure and rejected Spanish claims that Gibraltar Airport should be suspended from its
application, pointing out that this would remove rights conferred on users of Gibraltar Airport by the original Regulation. The
Presidency noted the Commission's request for further work on a Regulation on aviation statistics which has not progressed since
1996 when disagreement on application to Gibraltar Airport prevented its adoption. The Council also discussed a draft Directive
providing for ramp checks on third country aircraft using EU airports which had previously been agreed, because Spain had now
requested suspension of the application of the measure to Gibraltar Airport. The UK confirmed its support for the text agreed by the
Council, regretting that Spain had objected to this important safety measure at such a late stage.
The Council noted the Commission's reports on the progress of negotiations to establish a European Aviation Safety Authority, for
Community membership of Eurocontrol, and on extending the single aviation market to ten central and eastern European countries. The
Council also noted progress on the draft Directive on airport charging, and received a report on the outcome of the 32nd meeting of
the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal.
In maritime transport, there was a debate on the draft directive on ferry manning conditions. The UK made clear its strong support
for the proposal, which would protect Community seafarer employment. Some Member States thought that more information was needed
about the impact of the proposal. At the Presidency's request, the Commission agreed to produce a report on the directive's likely
impact and inform a future Council of progress.
The Council agreed a report on integrating environmental requirements into transport policy, to go to the European Council in Vienna
on 11-12 December. The report outlines progress to date and indicates that the Council will draw up an ambitious phased work
programme, a first report on which will be discussed by the end of 1999.
Under other business, the Commission presented its proposal for new working time rules in the road and maritime sectors, and
presented its report on the development of transport Trans-European Networks.
Subjects
Aviation; Airports; Ferries; Inland waterways; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Gibraltar; EU action; Railways; Transport; Roads; Taxation; Switzerland; Spain; EU transport policy; EU environmental policy; EC Transport Council; Gibraltar Airport
Date
8 December 1998
Reference
322 c118-20W; 62328
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, What representations he has received from road freight hauliers regarding the impact of the proposals in the White Paper on Integrated Transport Strategy on their industry. (Failed OPQ)
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, What representations he has received from road freight hauliers regarding the impact of the proposals in the White Paper on Integrated Transport Strategy on their industry. (Failed OPQ)
Asked by
Desmond Swayne
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 November 1998
For answer on
17 November 1998
Answered on
17 November 1998
Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from
road freight hauliers regarding the impact of the proposals in the White Paper on integrated transport strategy on their industry.
[58655]
Dr. Reid: The industry is generally satisfied with the Government's approach to sustainable distribution as set out in the White
Paper "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone".
This Government's policy towards the haulage industry is to promote an industry which is sustainable; which is efficient and
effective and which meets the Government's environmental and social objectives at the same time.
For example, industry has welcomed the fact that 40 tonne 5-axle lorries will be allowed for domestic use as well as for
international movements. Industry has endorsed our intention to improve enforcement in the industry through improvements in the
efficiency of the enforcement agencies. We are ensuring that modern IT systems are introduced which will allow better co-ordination
and sharing of data between the agencies. They have endorsed our intention to impound illegally operated vehicles used by cowboy
operators. The industry has been very constructive in helping us to formulate these proposals. Such a scheme will help to ensure
that, within the UK, hauliers operate within a competitive regime which is both fair and honest.
Subjects
Industry; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Policy; Transport; Roads
Date
17 November 1998
Reference
58655; 319 c481-2W
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Oral answers to questions
Subjects
Freight; Transport; Roads; Rural areas
Date
20 October 1998
Reference
317 c1073
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons