HC Deb 28 February 1973 vol 851 cc1500-1
35. Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to implement the two recommendations in paragraph 109 of the recommendations of the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Major Ports of Great Britain (Command Paper No. 1824, published in September 1962) about the improvement of communications betwen Southampton and the Midlands and Southampton and the West, respectively.

Mr. Speed

Road schemes now in preparation or under construction will substantially improve these communications. A study into the need for improvement to the Bristol-Southampton route will be completed next week. The future improvement of rail services is a matter for the British Railways Board.

Mr. Price

In view of the development of the port of Southampton as a container port, will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the improvement of road links between Southampton and the Midlands is not only right in itself but could contribute to the easing of the road problems around the north of Greater London?

Mr. Speed

As a Midlands Member I echo those sentiments. The Abingdon bypass is being constructed, and by the early 1980s, subject to the statutory procedures, there will be a first-class trunk route from Southampton to Birmingham.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

The Minister said that the improvement of rail communications was a matter for the British Railways Board. Is that good enough? Surely we should have a properly co-ordinated Government transport policy in which Ministers are concerned with both road and rail development. The Minister himself should have views on what constitutes proper rail development around Southampton.

Mr. Speed

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport Industries and I are looking at the whole question of British Rail. My right hon. Friend has assured the House that it and the public will be taken into our confidence as soon as possible.

Mr. S. James A. Hill

Does my hon. Friend agree that every encouragement should be given to British Rail to increase its services to Southampton, as it seems to be taking quite the opposite view? Could not the date of the opening of the roadway to the Midlands be advanced? The present situation is causing severe traffic congestion for juggernauts.

Mr. Speed

There are proceedings to go through. Many people object to the construction of such roads. They must have their say, and proper inquiries must be undertaken.