Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the shortage of qualified HGV drivers in the road haulage industry; what steps he is taking to tackle that shortage; and if he will make a statement.

The reasons for the HGV driver shortage are long standing and varied. The Government is helping the logistics sector make the most of the opportunities provided through the apprenticeship levy and the Trailblazer Apprenticeship the industry has created. The standards are a fundamental step in addressing labour shortages. In addition the Government has provided funding support for Think Logistics to promote the logistics sector as a career choice for young people.