§ 44. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Transport, in view of varying estimates of the increased number of motor vehicles of all types of driving licences held by 1970, what is the estimate of his Department; on what basis the estimate rests; whether, in view of a substantial revision of the previous estimated population in 1970, his long-term policy in respect of road transport is being revised; and to what extent this revision has been or is being related to road and traffic problems in the areas of the present borough of Leyton and the prospective amalgamated borough inclusive of Leyton.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Hall Report which gives much of the information he seeks. It has been our practice in formulating the road programme to take account of the foreseeable growth in road traffic and we will continue to do so. The position in particular areas must be considered in the light of their individual circumstances.
§ Mr. SorensenHas the rather impressive increased estimate of the population in future been taken into complete consideration?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettYes, Sir. The estimates for both goods and passenger transport took account of the most recent forecasts for the population, but in forecasting the number of cars the Hall Group also considered the relationship between income and car ownership and American experience on the subject. This has to be taken into account in addition to the population question.
§ Mr. MellishWill the Parliamentary Secretary note that there is a genuine desire on both sides of the House to have much more detail about the Government's long-term planning? While we know population trends and something of the likely increase in the number of motor vehicles, we are not sure exactly how 421 the money which the Government keep talking about will be spent. Is is not right that my hon. Friend should ask to be given some idea of how the Government see the position in 1970? Before I sit down, I am sure that we should all like to congratulate the hon. Gentleman's hon. Friend on being promoted to the office of Civil Lord of the Admiralty.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI am not sure that I am entitled to reply on behalf of my hon. Friend in respect of the last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question.
We recognise that this is a perfectly proper Question, and I have done my best to answer it. We shall take into account the various points raised in the Question.