MEP angry
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
BRITISH Conservative MEP Christopher Prout has condemned delays in getting compensation for British transport operators whose lorries were trapped in the French blockade.
Speaking at the April session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Mr Prout, who represents Shropshire and Stafford, said: "The Conservative group is extremely concerned about the settlement of compensation claims for losses suffered by drivers and transport firms caught up in the French lorry blockade.
"Swains, of Church Stretton in Shropshire, for example had 12 lorries trapped. Wages and lost business and extra fuel bills added up to £1,000 per lorry. Multiplied across the country that must amount to a staggering bill. None of these losses will be covered by insurance.
"At present it seems that member Governments ... are not prepared to admit responsibility at all.
"If the Council of Ministers does not act, I will encourage transport organisations to petition the Parliament's Rules of Procedure Committee for redress."