§ 38. Mr. Pargiterasked the Minister of Transport if he will give particulars of his proposals for a supplementary motorway network, in addition to that already announced.
§ Mr. MarplesI have already announced a firm programme for the next five years. Surveys are in hand for schemes to follow that programme. I am not prepared at this stage to commit myself to announcing details of projects in our longer-term studies.
§ Mr. PargiterIs the Minister aware that the earliest possible intimation should be given about future projects, particularly to local authorities, in order that their own road programmes can be fitted to suit the schemes the right hon. Gentleman might have in mind?
§ Mr. MarplesI am certainly aware of that. That is why, during the last two years, we have had a complete change in our programme, and have announced it to the local authorities as far ahead as we can. Of course, the present target of the road programme is the completion of a motorway network of about 1,000 miles in England and Wales by the 'seventies, which will be of great advantage.
§ Mr. P. BrowneWhen considering this long-term programme, will my right hon. Friend reconsider the remark he made a moment ago that Devon and Cornwall had got their fair share? On Wednesday, 21st June, he told me, in answer to a Parliamentary Question, that he intended to give priority to urban schemes. Surely, therefore, that means that Devon and Cornwall have not had their fair share.
§ Mr. MarplesI did not say an equal share; I said a fair share.