13. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for assisting the provision of lorry parks in the Southampton area.
§ Mr. PeytonSouthampton is one of the areas being considered by the regional study groups which have been set up to select sites for the national network of lorry parks. I expect to receive their proposals fairly soon.
Mr. MitchellIs the Minister aware that large lorries, including container lorries, park all night and every night in residential areas in Southampton, causing annoyance to residents, particularly when the lorries are started up in the early hours of the morning? Will he do everything possible to speed up the provision of lorry parks in that area?>
§ Mr. Arthur LewisThat problem is not confined to Southampton.
§ Mr. PeytonIt is because we are aware of the undoubted nuisance to which the hon. Gentleman refers that we have embarked on a policy of providing a comprehensive lorry park network over the country which we hope will be completed within the next five to seven years.
§ Mr. James HillIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are many lorry parks in Southampton which are not used, for the simple reason that lorry drivers wish to leave their lorries near to the guest house in which they are staying or near their own homes, and consequently they park on the housing estates? There are adequate parking facilities in Southampton.
§ Mr. PeytonThat is an aspect of the matter which will be borne in mind.