HC Deb 16 June 1971 vol 819 cc440-1
32. Mr. Raphael Tuck

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether in view of the fact that in absolute terms every railway and waterway administration which makes returns to the Economic Commission for Europe shows an increase of ton-miles in the period 1950 to 1969, except for Great Britain, which shows a reduction, he will take steps to redress this imbalance.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

No, Sir.

Mr. Tuck

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, parallel with the difficulties with rail and waterways, we are carrying an ever-increasing load of goods by road—the figure is three times that of rail—with all the attendant environmental consequences? Incentives to encourage the carriage of goods by rail will not only help the environment but will do away with the need for ever-increasing expenditure on more roads.

Mr. Griffiths

I assure the hon. Gentleman that proper account of environmental considerations is now taken in approving all new road schemes. It is no part of my right hon. Friend's policy artificially to interfere between a customer and his choice of the best mode of transport, bearing in mind speed, reliability and cost.

Mr. Tebbit

Would my hon. Friend say whether he read this Question as a conversion to the Treaty of Rome on the part of the hon. Member for Watford (Mr. Raphael Tuck)?

Mr. Griffiths

The hon. Gentleman can speak for himself.