To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to assist the road haulage industry. (S1O-2349)

Over the next few weeks, I plan to meet the main bodies that represent the Scottish road haulage industry, to ensure that we are fully aware of the industry's concerns and aspirations.

Given that the average age of a heavy goods vehicle driver in Scotland is 52 and that driver training has significant costs of more than £900, what measures are being taken and what financial resources are being allocated by the Executive to ensure that more drivers are trained and that Scottish drivers will be in the cabs of Scottish trucks?

That subject has not yet arisen under the transport brief. However, I am aware that there are many proposals under the new deal. If Mr MacAskill has any specific suggestions, I would be happy to read and respond to them.

One way of helping the industry in areas such as the one that I represent would be to reduce the rate of VAT on motor fuel. In her answer to a question of mine a few weeks ago, the minister indicated that she was having discussions with her Westminster colleagues on the subject. What point have those discussions reached?

I am happy to tell Mr Stone that those discussions are on-going.

Is the minister aware of the plight of thousands of freelance taxi and private hire drivers, who are suffering losses of £20 to £30 a week through Chancellor Gordon Brown's fuel tax increase? Does she have any plans to assist those drivers?

I am not sure that those questions come under the heading of road haulage. Does the minister want to answer them?

No.