Angela Eagle MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, visited Owens Logistics in Dafen where she met with Managing Director Huw Owen, his senior staff and representatives of the Freight Transport Association to discuss the difficulties of the road haulage industry with the ever-increasing price of oil.
Mr Robert Williams, Finance Director, at Owens welcomed the decision by the Chancellor to postpone the 2p a litre increase on the price of diesel until the autumn, but he was anxious to stress to the Minister the very real difficulties that any increase in the price of fuel will cause the firm. “We are competing against foreign firms who can fuel up more cheaply abroad.”
The Minister pointed out the very considerable concession that the Treasury has made in postponing the 2p a litre increase and listened sympathetically to their concerns. She then quizzed them on the nature and extent of the competition they are up against from foreign firms, and encouraged them to pass on any information they may have about unfair practices so that the appropriate government departments can clamp down on foreign hauliers flouting the rules or compromising safety.
Nia Griffith MP, who arranged the visit, said “I know that the Minister is very aware of the issues confronting the road haulage industry and is anxious to hear exactly how firms like Owens are being affected. Clearly this is a family firm which through skill and hard work has built up to a company of 500 employees; their experience and expertise are very valuable in informing ministers of how policies are working out in practice.”
Commenting on the discussion, Mr Ian Jarman, Environmental and Legislation Manager at Owens said “We were glad to have the opportunity to speak directly to the Minister who is responsible for fuel duty, and will continue our efforts at lobbying to get a level playing field with our European competition. We would also like to thank Nia Griffith MP for making this unique visit possible.”