HC Deb 27 October 1976 vol 918 cc463-5
24. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he intends to take to prevent further violent disruptions of public inquiries into road projects, particularly those such as were held at Winchester, which have already been the subject of extensive public participation and inquiry.

Mr. William Rodgers

The conduct of an inquiry is a matter for the inspector concerned, who can seek the assistance of the police in maintaining public order if he wishes.

Mr. Adley

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that most regional trade union leaders and, I suspect, most hon. Members utterly deplore the mob tactics used in the recent inquiry at Winchester, whatever the merits of the case? Will he give an assurance that he regards the uncompleted part of the motorway route to Southampton—the link between the M3 and the M27—as a necessary part of the trunk road system of this country?

Mr. Rodgers

I deplore the use of violence of whatever kind—words or physical action—in motorway inquiries. It is destructive of a great deal that is valuable in our way of life and I hope that those responsible will be thoroughly ashamed. We have to distinguish between such action and the legitimate grievance of those deeply disturbed by a motorway route or perhaps not even too sure whether our overall plans are right. But there is a difference between Arguments of that sort and the ugliness that we have seen.

On the second part of the hon. Gentleman's question, the behaviour that we have seen recently will not deter us from objectives that we believe to be right.

Mr. Dodsworth

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that part of the public concern is caused by suspicion of the existing forms of procedure and what people regard as the bureaucratic steamrollering tactics used by some Government Departments? Does that not give him cause for concern that there is no proper communication of the processes of government?

Mr. Rodgers

It certainly gives me cause for concern if reasonable people believe that they are not being fairly treated. I wish to make that clear. However, there is a distinction between reasonable people and those who use methods of which I do not believe the House could conceivably approve.

I hope that people with reasonable objections to the procedures will let me know, not by overt, foolish action but by telling me why they find the procedures objectionable and suggesting ways in which they might be changed. There has already been a change following the setting up of the Department of Transport. The appointment of inspectors is now a matter for me and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

Sir Anthony Royle

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his statement will be very much welcomed? Is he aware that many of us in the London area are concerned about the way that the Greater London Council is steamrolling the use of widening and diverting major lorry routes throughout South London? Is he aware that his attitude will be very much welcomed by residents throughout London?

Mr. Rodgers

It is obviously a question of finding a balance between allowing proper grievances to be aired and decisions to be made wisely and not so restraining the necessary decisions as to cause undesirable economic and social consequences. I am sure that this is the principle that should move us in these matters.