HC Deb 08 March 1960 vol 619 c214
3. Mr. Bence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what provision he proposes making for the siting of petrol service stations on the A.80 Glasgow to Stirling Road.

Mr. N. Macpherson

My right hon. Friend has no power to make provision for sites for petrol filling stations on trunk roads such as A.80. Applications for planning permission to develop them on the adjoining land are dealt with by the local planning authorities on their merits.

The requirements of road safety, however, make it imperative to restrict the number of accesses to trunk roads. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular dealing with the effect of this on petrol filling station applications.

Mr. Bence

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that planning permission was given and a licence granted to build a public house on the A.82 Glasgow to Dumbarton road with access to the main motor road, and would he not agree that it is far better to give planning permission and access to a motor road for petrol filling stations to enable cars to be filled with petrol than for public houses to enable them to fill the drivers with booze?

Mr. Macpherson

Each case has to be, and is, treated on its merits. The hon. Gentleman is aware of the various considerations that arise in these matters.

Mr. Bence

There is no merit in drinking by a motor driver.