§ 7. Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he 1246 has to establish a centre for transport and environmental studies.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI am considering the matter. I have already announced that the Centre for Environmental Studies will receive an increased grant for work in these fields. I am still considering the proposal to set up a centre to provide training for transport and land use planners in the light of comments made by interested universities.
§ Mr. DormandIs the Minister aware of the great advantage which would accrue if such a centre were established in Peter-lee New Town in my constituency, particularly with the science park there? I am aware that the allocation will be made to the universities, but Newcastle and Durham Universities have already agreed that if they are appointed they would prefer the centre to be in Peterlee. Does the Minister agree that a project of this kind, which would recruit about 100 graduates a year, is precisely what is required in the interests of a structured employment balance in an old industrial area such as mine?
§ Mr. WalkerI am aware of the proposals made by Newcastle and Durham Universities concerning Peterlee. We have asked a number of universities throughout the country to submit their proposals. Naturally, we have to give due consideration to each of the proposals.
§ Mr. AdleyDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that on the whole question of transport and the environment we should look again at the position of railways in urban centres and try to get away from the view that the development of railways in urban centres should be lined up with the inter-city services, which are a different thing?
§ Mr. WalkerYes, we are looking at the whole distribution of warehousing, the movement of freight and other matters, including railways, in our total planning strategies.