§ 14. Mr. Moyleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the Greater London Council on the bias inherent in the present grant situation which operates to the disadvantage of public transport as compared to road schemes; and what reply he has sent.
§ The Minister for Local Government and Development (Mr. Graham Page)A G.L.C. all-party deputation represented this view to me on 15th January. The council has been asked to put forward more specific proposals for further discussion.
§ Mr. MoyleIs the Minister aware that major road schemes in London are highly unpopular because of the threat they pose 392 to amenities and housing? Will he take action, as soon as possible after he receives representations, to ensure that the grant system is altered to remove this bias against public transport?
§ Mr. PageI do not think that there is any bias against public transport. The problems of public transport cannot be solved simply by paying grants at the same rate for all forms of transport investment. One must consider the whole policy of transport in London.
§ Mr. LiptonHas the Minister taken into account the scheme of the G.L.C., under its present leadership, to introduce some sort of lottery, which might solve the problem which is involved in this Question?