Dutch anger
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BRITAIN'S insistance on a 38tonne maximum laden weight for goods vehicles has again sparked off a reaction from a Dutch MEP.
But unlike British Conservative members who during the April session of the European Parliament criticised the EEC Commission's reluctance to accept the British decision (CM, April 23), Willem Albers, is angry at the way the British Government has apparently tried to force the hand of the Eurocrats.
The Dutch representative has asked the European Commmission to consider holding an investigation to establish whether Britain has violated EEC rules by taking a decision while the regulations were still under consideration.
Transport Commissioner Georges Kontogeorgis, replied that when the regulations were finally adopted in November 1982, the British weight limit had been set at 38-tonnes. This was not in line with the Commission's proposals, nor with the British Government's earlier intentions, said Mr Kontogeorgis.
However, the Commission still believes that a solution can be found although the UK decision "will create additional difficulties for the Council of Ministers in finding a rapid solution to the problem."
In the circumstances, said the Commissioner, there are no plans to begin any infringement procedure against Britain.