HC Deb 27 March 1968 vol 761 cc1529-30
34. Mr. Gardner

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals she has for the provision of overnight accommodation at motorway service areas.

Mr. Swingler

Motorway service areas are designed for the needs of short stay users. We have no plans to provide overnight sleeping accommodation.

Mr. Gardner

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is an increasing need for this kind of accommodation both for transport drivers who have to lay up in inclement weather and, particularly on the M1, for the very many continental tourists who use it? Could not the areas allocated for services but not currently used for this purpose be put to more profitable use?

Mr. Swingler

The motorway service areas have been designed, in terms of their parking facilities, for the short stay user. We do not desire people to occupy the spaces for long periods. My hon. Friend's Question is really a matter for the industry providing hotels and hostels. If he cares to draw my attention to particular needs and areas in this respect, I will consider what action can be taken.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing about the difficulty of obtaining planning permission for motels along the motorways or near to them?

Mr. Swingler

I am not aware that there are great difficulties. I know of some motels which have been constructed quite near to and accessible to motor ways. Again, if the hon. Gentleman cares to draw my attention to particular cases, I will investigate them.

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