HC Deb 23 November 1966 vol 736 cc1374-5
12. Mr. Hunt

asked the Minister of Transport if she will make a statement outlining her policy on the public control of privately-owned car parks.

Mrs. Castle

The Government's policy towards the control of privately-owned car parks is contained in Joint Planning Bulletin No. 7 on "Parking in Town Centres". In brief, we encourage local authorities to ensure that such car parks are properly related to parking needs, highway capacity and general planning.

Mr. Hunt

Does the right hon. Lady still stand by the statement which she is reported to have made in Washington? If so, does she agree that statements of this kind can only reinforce the suspicion that so long as she is Minister the tackling of the real transport problems will be subordinated to the irrelevant dogmas of Left-wing Socialism?

Mrs. Castle

Certainly I stand by my statement in Washington, where I was referring specifically to the American problem and where there is no planning control comparable to the British system.

Mr. Ashley

Will my right hon. Friend consider, as a general policy, the erection of car parks above the platforms, buildings, and railway tracks of commuter railway stations?

Mrs. Castle

Oh, yes, certainly. This is an essential part of an integrated transport policy, and it is a matter in which I am very much interested.