To ask the Secretary of State for Transport

(1) what assessment he has made of the economic effects on (a) the road haulage industry and (b) the Kent economy of the implementations of Operation Stack on the M20 between 17 March 2004 and 17 March 2005;

(2) what representations he has received on the effects of Operation Stack on the M20; and if he will make a statement.

No economic assessment of the effects of Operation Stack between 17 March 2004 and 17 March 2005 on either the road haulage industry or the Kent economy has been undertaken by the Department or the Highways Agency.

The Department and the Highways Agency have received a number of representations from local residents, the Road Haulage Association, the Freight Transport Association and hon. Members, expressing their concerns about the impact of Operation Stack on the M20 and the local road network.

The Highways Agency is currently considering what alternative arrangements might be possible, both in the short and longer term, to reduce the delay for travellers.