HC Deb 10 March 1971 vol 813 cc386-7
6. Mr. Bob Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many motorway service areas are now in operation; and how many provide puncture repair facilities.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

Nineteen service areas are now in operation, and all except one provide puncture repair facilities. The exception is Heston, where local garages offer a convenient and adequate service.

Mr. Brown

The hon. Gentleman's advice is slightly wrong. Is he not aware that a motorist can have a puncture on the Ml, call at the service area to have it repaired, find that there are no facilities, drive on to another service area and find the same state of affairs, then have another puncture, and be at the mercy of a motoring organisation and, possibly, have to wait two hours?

Mr. Heseltine

I am not quite sure how a motorist could drive on if he had a puncture—[Hon. MEMBERS "He would use his spare wheel."] I should have to ask the hon. Gentleman to give me details of the allegations which he has put to me.