§ 28. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Transport, in view of the increasing use by holiday makers of the A.2 trunk road 1020 from London to the south-east coastal resorts and Channel ports, what has been the outcome of the consideration given to the problem of the abuse of lay-bys so as to remedy the present hazards to health during warm weath, and if he will take into consideration that at 10 a.m. on Saturday, 8th June, 18 motor-coaches and many private cars were parked within a 200 to 300 yard length of the tree- and bush-lined grass verge, in the vicinity of the Laughing Water Restaurant, near Cobham, Kent.
§ Mr. SwinglerWe are aware of the case referred to by my hon. Friend. We are studying a report from the Automobile Association about conditions on A.1 and a comprehensive survey of the position on trunk roads in rural areas from the County Councils' Association. We will announce our conclusions as soon as possible.
§ Mr. DoddsWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that at one time on 8th June there were 500 people using the lay-by and that it is estimated that over the summer months there were no fewer than 8,000 people? Can he imagine the surprise of the gypsies living in the camp nearby that this scandalous state of affairs is permitted?
§ Mr. SwinglerI quite agree with my hon. Friend; something has got to be done about this problem. [Interruption.] Certainly; it is a serious problem in some places. But the question is on whom the responsibility should lie, especially financially. We shall be having discussions with the local authority associations and others about it, and will try to get something done as soon as possible.