HC Deb 24 January 1973 vol 849 c459
25. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has considered the report of the joint working party on lorry parks in the Southampton area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peyton

Yes, Sir. I have studied this most useful report and accept its recommendations in principle.

Mr. Mitchell

That is an encouraging reply, and the right hon. Gentleman can take it that the report will be generally welcomed in the area, but, as it will take some time to implement, what interim advice can he give to the local authorities to stop large and heavy lorries being parked night after night outside people's houses?

Mr. Peyton

If any local authority feels that I or my Department can help, I hope that it will ask for it. We shall naturally try to give such advice as we can.

Mr. S. James A. Hill

Will my right hon. Friend take it that, if he does not do something about motorways to the Midlands, Southampton will become a bottleneck for container lorries which will increase the parking problem? Cannot he expedite the date for the new motorway to the Midlands from Southampton?

Mr. Peyton

Much as I should like to satisfy my hon. Friend, I do not think that I ought to try to do so on this Question.