HC Deb 03 March 1965 vol 707 cc1312-3
17. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the lengthy consideration that has been given to the need for public conveniences at lay-bys on trunk roads, and particularly during the summer months on those roads popular with holidaymakers, if he will make a statement giving details of progress made in this respect.

Mr. Swingler

I have nothing at present to add to the Answer given to my hon. Friend on 24th February.

Mr. Dodds

Will my hon. Friend tell me why there is no greater sense of urgency in this matter? Does not he agree that it is a deplorable state of affairs—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]—particularly in the summer months when men, women and children have to mingle at the side of the road? [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] Does not he agree that it makes nonsense of all the efforts we have been making towards personal hygiene when this state of affairs is allowed to continue? [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]

Mr. Swingler

If the House is disposed to consider this matter seriously, I may say that we know that this insanitary state of affairs exists in many places. We deplore it, and something has to be done about it. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] My right hon. Friend issued a circular to local authorities in favour of better sign-posting of lavatories on these roads because we think that is in the interest of the public. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] In spite of the view of some hon. Members, we are discussing with a number of authorities how we may bring about better provisions on these roads.

Mr. Scott- Hopkins

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this is an urgent need in rural areas where holiday traffic creates problems? Does not he realise also that local authorities are unable to finance these things and that financial assistance from central Government funds is needed? Will he urge upon his right hon. Friend that it is a matter of great expediency that funds be made available to local authorities for the provision of facilities on trunk roads in holiday areas?

Mr. Swingler

In spite of the attitude of some hon. Members, we are disposed to consider this matter seriously and think that better provision should be made. We realise that there are difficulties about finance and the allocation of responsibility. That is why we are having discussions with other Departments and local authorities.

Mr. Mawby

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many small local authorities feel there is a need to establish something of this kind, but knowing that the traffic in question is through traffic and nothing will accrue to their rates they are loath to take any action? Is he aware that if a national plan were devised local authorities would be happy to pay their share to provide what is obviously a very important facility.

Mr. Swingler

These are precisely the subjects we are discussing with local authorities. I hope that we shall be able to make an announcement shortly.

Mr. Scott- Hopkins

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter on the Adjournment.