§ 6. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Transport whether he will now give a higher priority to new roads and major road improvements in holiday areas, in view of the high earnings of foreign currency of the tourist industry.
§ Mr. Tom FraserA good deal that will be of value to these areas is already in the programme for the next few years. To do more could only be at the expense of important road schemes already in preparation. This would not be justified. For the subsequent programme, improvements in holiday areas will as hitherto be considered on their total merits.
§ Mr. DigbyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that other countries which are trying to attract tourists make special provision and, indeed, build special roads? If we in this country are to take tourism seriously, we must provide the roads for the cars we attract.
§ Mr. FraserI am also aware that some countries depend more on tourism than we do for their economic well-being. The House will be aware that I am constantly being pressed to divert some part of the road programme to assist in stepping up exports. I am being pressed from many quarters to adjust the programme which I inherited. The hon. Member will be aware that I am not at this time able to give holiday resorts priority over exports.
Mr. Gresham CookeCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he is not going to delay the road programme, because it is now known that the M.4 project will be delayed another year for further consideration and, as that is a road which serves both commercial traffic and holiday traffic to the West, it would be disastrous if it were delayed? Can he give an assurance to the House?
§ Mr. FraserI am doing my best to avoid delay in the road programme all the time. I am constantly having my attention called to further considerations that I should examine on this and that plan and on this and that new line before going on with the job. What I have to do is to try to reconcile the criticism of those who say I ought not to get on with the job with that of those who say I am not getting on with the job quickly enough.