HC Deb 26 June 1957 vol 572 cc195-6
23. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to call the attention of the appropriate organ of the United Nations to the fact that that part of the Economic Survey of Europe produced by the Economic Commission of the United Nations which deals with British roads was entirely out of date at the time of publication and that its comments are accordingly of no material value; and whether arrangements can be made for a more up-to-date survey of British roads by that body at an early date.

Mr. Ian Harvey

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport stated on 29th May in reply to Questions, the passage in the report dealing with British roads was out of date due to the report going to press early and thus failing to incorporate information subsequently available to the Economic Commission for Europe Secretariat.

As the Inland Transport Committee of the Economic Commission for Europe publishes an annual bulletin of transport statistics, the next issue of which will contain more up-to-date information, it is not thought necessary to take any further action in the matter.

The Economic Commission for Europe Economic Survey of Europe is published on the responsibility of the Commission's Secretariat and clearly states that the views expressed in it should not be attributed to the Commission or to its member Governments.

Mr. Janner

In view of the very serious state of transport in this country in consequence of the roads not being properly available for the purpose of efficient transport, does not the hon. Gentleman think that an interim report might be introduced? If there cannot be an interim report can he give any idea when the annual publication will be made?

Mr. Harvey

These matters effect the policy of road transport, which is not the responsibility of the Foreign Office. As I have indicated in my reply, this is a report of an independent organisation for which Her Majesty's Government are not responsible.