To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the estimated impact on the environment the European Union Working Time Directive will have in respect of carbon dioxide emissions from heavy goods vehicles in Northern Ireland; and if he will seek derogation from this Directive on behalf of the quarrying and construction industries. [101738]

The European Working Time Directives are designed to protect the health and safety of people at work.I have not assessed the impact of the Directives on the environment and I do not propose to seek a derogation along the lines suggested.