28. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the great traffic congestion in major cities, he will consider making special grants in aid to local authorities which propose to build multi-storey car parks.
§ Mr. MarplesAs I stated in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Yeovil (Mr. Peyton) on 16th December last, it is the Government's policy that the provision of off-street car parks is a matter for local authorities and private enterprise.
Mr. Gresham CookeIs my right hon. Friend aware that many people believe that the parking difficulties in London and our great cities will never be solved until some multi-storey garages are erected in the centres of those cities? Further, is my right hon. Friend aware that the economic cost of such garages works out at about 12s. 6d. per day per motor car and that on that basis they will never become popular? Therefore, it is thought that these multi-storey garages should rank for grant in the same way as roads.
§ Mr. MarplesI cannot accept the principle that off-street parking for motor cars should be subsidised.