§ 1. Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a policy statement on the financing of new investment in urban transport.
§ The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Peter Walker)We are at present considering local and Government investment in various forms of transport systems, including roads and railways, and we are talking to the G.L.C. to ascertain the most appropriate methods for financing alternative transport systems in London.
§ Mr. SpearingDoes the right hon. Gentleman recall that in a Press release issued by his Department he or his colleagues stated that he could not accept that grants for public transport could be put on the same basis as for principal roads? Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that new rail track—for instance, 518 the Fleet line—could be on the same basis? Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why it cannot be?
§ Mr. WalkerDifferent criteria are involved. I genuinely want to find a sensible formula to tackle the methods by which we shall finance these two alternative forms of transport.