EC (Transport)

Oral Answers to Questions — Transport – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 24 October 1988.

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Photo of Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones , Ynys Môn 12:00, 24 October 1988

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the European Community Commissioner with responsibility for transport; and what matters were discussed.

Photo of Mr Paul Channon Mr Paul Channon , Southend West

Last Thursday, 20 October, when we discussed aviation matters.

Photo of Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones , Ynys Môn

In view of the growing importance of the A5 as a major route linking Ireland to Europe and of the fact that the European Commission is more likely to consider joint approaches for funding, will the Secretary of State consider meeting his Irish counterpart to see whether a joint approach could be made to the Commission to improve the A5 through north Wales and parts of north-west England, to link into the M54 and the motorway network?

Photo of Mr Paul Channon Mr Paul Channon , Southend West

That is an ingenious proposal, and I shall consider it. As it happens, I am seeing the Irish Minister on Wednesday next. Of course, the terms of any new infrastructure spending on roads in the hon. Gentleman's constituency are not yet settled. An application to the European regional development fund is also possible, and no doubt the hon. Gentleman and his council have that in mind.

Photo of Mr Peter Fry Mr Peter Fry , Wellingborough

As my right hon. Friend discussed aviation with the Commissioner, can he tell us what progress there has been towards a greater liberalisation of European air services and, particularly, towards a reduction of European air fares, which are much too high?

Photo of Mr Paul Channon Mr Paul Channon , Southend West

A specific question on air fares appears later on the Order Paper. Perhaps I may deal with the matter then.

We are pressing ahead as fast as possible with air liberalisation in Europe. The next stage will be 1990, when we shall review the progress so far made. One satisfactory thing that I know my hon. Friend will welcome was the general agreement among European Ministers of Transport to a central flow management unit, which will be run on a European basis and will very much help the problems of air traffic congestion.

Photo of David Winnick David Winnick , Walsall North

Will the Minister receive a report of the sinking of the cruise ship Jupiter? Is he aware that the missing teacher, Mr. Bernard Butt, had taught at a school in my constituency—T. P. Riley—since 1970, and that all the reports suggest that he was far more interested in saving as many pupils as possible than in saving his own life? Our deepest sympathy goes to the relatives of Mr. Butt and to the parents of the child who is missing, Vivenne Barley.

Does the Secretary of State agree that much courage was shown by many of the pupils when they were in the water, and that some lives were undoubtedly saved because of their courage? Has he seen the report in this afternoon's newspaper—

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

Order. I know that this is a tragic matter, but it must be related to the European Community Commissioner.

Photo of David Winnick David Winnick , Walsall North

When the right hon. Gentleman has discussions with the EEC Ministers, will he take up the issue of ships' safety? It appears that the Jupiter was 27 years old and not as safe as it should have been. That is apparently to be discussed by the sea authorities. Will the right hon. Gentleman be getting a report on it as quickly as possible?

Photo of Mr Paul Channon Mr Paul Channon , Southend West

Although this matter will not arise at the meeting with the European Commissioner, I am sure that the whole House agrees with the hon. Gentleman. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of all involved, British and Greek, especially to the families of Miss Barley and Mr. Butt, whose loved ones are still unaccounted for.

The Greek authorities have begun a full inquiry into this tragic episode. We shall keep in close touch with them, and I take note of what the hon. Gentleman said.

Photo of Mr Roger Moate Mr Roger Moate , Faversham

Is there any pressure on my right hon. Friend, or any desire on his part, in view of the general moves towards harmonisation throughout Europe, to increase maximum permitted lorry weights in this country?

Photo of Mr Paul Channon Mr Paul Channon , Southend West

There is certainly no desire on my part to do so. Whether the Commission will show any desire to do so remains to he seen. I hope that my hon. Friend, with his usual vigilance, will remain closely in touch with me.

Photo of Tony Lloyd Tony Lloyd Shadow Spokesperson (Work and Pensions), Shadow Spokesperson (Transport)

Will the Secretary of State raise with the Commissioner the stability of the class of ferry to which the Jupiter belonged? Will he also raise with him the fact that if the Jupiter had been a roll-on roll-off ferry the number of deaths would almost certainly have been massively higher? Will he also ensure that access to proper representation at any inquiry held in Greece is given to the bereaved families and to those who survived the accident?

Photo of Mr Paul Channon Mr Paul Channon , Southend West

None of those issues is likely to arise at my meeting with the European Commissioner, but the important points made by the hon. Gentleman about the safety of ships will be considered by the Greek inquiry. As I told the House, I shall remain closely in touch with events. Appearances at inquiries will be a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary. The Foreign Office will do all that it can wthin its consular authority, and I shall draw the hon. Gentleman's question to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend.