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Written question asked by Lord Aberdare (Crossbench) on Monday, 8 February 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 February 2021. It was answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Conservative) on Monday, 15 February 2021 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Musical Instruments: Customs

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have (1) to enable UK orchestras to continue to use (a) specialist UK-based hauliers, or (b) their own trucks, to transport musical instruments across multiple EU countries, and (2) to negotiate with the EU an exemption to barriers of the movement of goods for cultural purposes.

Answer

The Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) between the UK and the EU allows UK hauliers to undertake up to 2 additional laden journeys, cross-trade or cabotage, within the EU after a laden international journey from the UK, with a maximum of 1 cabotage movement outside Ireland. These rules will also apply to specialist hauliers, such as hauliers who carry equipment for musicians and other performers, even when using their own truck.

Our assessment is that the TCA will allow the vast majority of haulage operations that were being undertaken by UK hauliers before the end of the transition period. However, UK operators will not be allowed to undertake more than 2 movements within the EU before returning to the UK. This issue was discussed in detail as part of negotiations, but the EU was unwilling to agree more flexible arrangements.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL13034
Session
2019-21
Subjects
EU countries Freight Musical instruments
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk