HC Deb 03 February 1960 vol 616 cc971-4
8 and 10. Mr. Grimond

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if he will make a statement on the matters he studied during his recent visit to the Continent and the United States of America;

(2) what progress he has made in his study of bridge-building methods; and whether he will make a further statement on the methods to be employed on future road development.

Mr. Marples

My visit to the Continent was primarily to see for myself the methods being adopted in Europe to utilise the latest techniques of bridge design and construction. The visit satisfied me that British design and construction match work being done elsewhere. It may not therefore be necessary to make radical changes in present arrangements but, to ensure that full advantage is taken of the latest ideas and techniques, I am continuing to study whether it is desirable to try out new arrangements experimentally. I intend in any case that the partnership between my Ministry, bridge designers and bridge builders should be made as close as possible.

In the United States I examined in several cities the methods being adopted to improve traffic flow and road safety. I received many new ideas which are now being examined.

Mr. Grimond

I thank the Minister for that reply. Can he hold out any hope of making economies in road or bridge building? Secondly, has he studied the system of toll charges which operates in America?

Mr. Marples

On the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, it is difficult to compare costs in foreign countries with those in this country, because of the many variables, such as the rate of exchange, but we may be able to make slight economies. More than anything else, we might be able to add to the amenities. As for the second part of the supplementary question, toll roads in America are now being abandoned. They were successful largely because they were long roads in congested areas, with limited points of access. Since this country is so much smaller there are more points of access. At places like bridges and tunnels tolls seem to be suitable all the world over, but opinion in America is against the provision of further main toll roads.

Mr. Grimond

Can we take it that toll roads are out?

Mr. Marples

No. I was giving the American experience.

Colonel Beamish

Did my right hon. Friend observe the excellent lane discipline that exists in the United States, and contrast it with the lack of discipline in this country? Has he any legislation in mind, or any alterations to the law, which might improve lane discipline in this country?

Mr. Marples

Lane discipline in America is better than it is here, but that is largely because American roads are marked accordingly. In the early days of the M.1 it was an appalling spectacle to see drivers going all over the road, but the latest reports show that lane discipline is being gradually assimilated by the drivers, and that they are beginning to observe the lane rules.

Mr. Burden

Can the Minister state whether his investigations into road and bridge building in America will expedite the building of a bridge over the River Medway?

Mr. Marples

I did not look at road and bridge building in America, but I did in Germany and France. The bridge over the Medway will be a splendid one, and will be built fairly soon.

Mr. Popplewell

In view of the Minister's experience of American trunk roads, can he assure the House that there will be no question of building toll roads in this country, and no further consideration of the question of the imposition of tolls even at tunnels? The suggestion has been made that there should be the imposition of a compulsory toll for the Tyne tunnel. Will the Minister have another look at this matter in the light of the experience he gained from his travels abroad?

Mr. Marples

There is no definite commitment. I gave particulars of my experience in America, about which I was asked by the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond). There is another Question on the Order Paper about the Tyne tunnel.