To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with representatives of the haulage industry concerning the implementation of the Working Time Directive. [110021]

Since the road transport directive (2002/15/EC) was adopted on 23 March 2002, DfT Ministers have held two meetings with representatives from both sides of the haulage industry, including the Road Haulage Association, the Freight Transport Association and the Transport and General Workers Union. In addition, on-going discussions are taking place at official level to consider the technical and financial implications of the new directive.