HC Deb 13 July 1965 vol 716 cc277-8
Q5. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Prime Minister whether the public statement of the Minister of Transport in a British Broadcasting Corporation television broadcast on 10th June on the subject of the new road programme represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Cooke

Is the Prime Minister aware that his right hon. Friend said that new motorists coming on to the road these days by and large were supporters of the Labour Party? How does this extraordinary statement tie up with a balanced and fair road programme?

The Prime Minister

I was not aware of that particular remark of my right hon. Friend's. I think it is a very wise one. It is, however, I should have thought, a remark with some political content which might be regarded as controversial. I thought that the hon. Gentleman was concerned with the governmental aspects of my right hon. Friend's statement. It sounds to me to have been a very good statement.

Mr. Allason

Is it the policy of the Government to restrict the purchase of motor cars for use in cities?

The Prime Minister

I am not aware of any policy on those lines, and certainly motor car sales have been extremely active recently. How one would apply a condition of sale to the effect, "This car, when bought, should turn round as soon as the 30 mile speed limit is reached" I am not at all certain.