The French Prime Minister, Mr Lionel Jospin, has promised to fast-track consideration of claims from British firms for compensation arising from last year's lorry drivers' dispute.
Mr Jospin delivered his promise at yesterday's Anglo-French summit at Canary Wharf in London, just hours before the re-opening of the Port of Calais and the apparent end of the current dispute.
Mr Jospin, responding to pressure from Mr Blair, told British haulage firms claiming financial loss resulting from last year's French lorry drivers' strike that they would know within three months if they are to be compensated.
The British Prime Minister had impressed on his opposite number - and on President Chirac - the need to address the outstanding compensation claims, and the plight of British drivers caught up in this week's dispute.
"We want to see the free circulation of vehicles in France so our lorries can return home. There's also the important question of compensation, which we raised from this dispute but last year's as well. I know the French government have taken on those concerns."
However, Mr Geoff Dossetter, spokesman for the 12,000 member-strong Freight Transport Association, declared himself "very sceptical" about Mr Jospin's assurances.
"We want to see the colour of France's money," he said. "We haven't seen any of it yet. Over the last 12 months the French have broken all sorts of promises about compensation. It is one thing saying they have a compensation formula to pay out claims, and quite another to actually do it. They have provided a scheme which has been so complicated and changed so many times that no money has been paid." Mr Blair maintained Mr Jospin's move was "an important step forward" and promised progress in processing claims.
President Chirac said the dispute highlighted the need for harmonisation of working standards across Europe.
On the wider European front, the French moved to cement Anglo-French relations, promising a guaranteed seat for Britain on the board of the European Central Bank whenever Britain decides to join the single currency.
To Mr Blair's delight, Mr Jospin said there was sufficient flexibility to ensure that, at whatever time Britain joined, a place would be available.
Mr Blair underlined the importance to Britain of being able to shape and influence discussions even though the decision to join might be taken at a later date.
Recent reports suggested that the German Chancellor, Dr Helmut Kohl, is keen to keep a seat free for Britain, but yesterday's public confirmation from Mr Jospin will be seen as an important development by economic and monetary union enthusiasts within the government.
Mr Blair and Mr Jospin also discussed the restructuring of the defence and aerospace industries in Europe.