asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to introduce a new shape for the heavy goods vehicle road tax disc to improve detection of tax avoidance.

I agree that a distinctive heavy goods vehicle tax disc would aid enforcement, and the Department is now considering the practical implications including costs. The views of the police will be sought shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to control the number of heavy goods vehicles entering the United Kingdom from other countries which restrict the number of British vehicles entering them; and if he will make a statement.

Bilateral agreements with the majority of European countries provide for an annual quota of road haulage journeys in each direction, and any restrictions imposed on British vehicles are reciprocated. We shall continue to press for the removal of all such restrictions.