HC Deb 01 February 1978 vol 943 cc453-4
22. Mr. Cowans

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will implement recommendation 59 of the Leitch Report as it relates to the proposed M40 scheme.

Mr. William Rodgers

I did not overlook recommendation 59 in reaching the decision that I announced last week.

Mr. Cowans

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are already two existing excellent rail links between London and Birmingham, whose facilities the new road will merely duplicate? Further, is he aware that British Rail has stated that there is ample capacity on both routes for the carriage of passengers and freight? Is it not a fact that no effort has been made to consider the real alternatives, in spite of the Government's policy and in spite of the Leitch Committee's recommendations?

Mr. Rodgers

No, my hon. Friend is wrong, although I totally understand his concern, which I share, about making the best use of our railway system. We took full account of the consequences of a new road for existing railways, but there is a real environmental problem for many villages and communities in the area. Without building a new road we would not be able to help them in solving the problems that they currently face.

Mr. Marten

As the M40 runs through and benefits my constituency, will the Secretary of State invite the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central (Mr. Cowans) to his next Press conference to explain to him the facts of life?

Mr. Rodgers

I think that my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central (Mr. Cowans) is fully aware of the need for roads in many circumstances, but he is right to draw my attention to the need to scrutinise the alternative of rail. However, in the circumstances I am satisfied that the proposals that we make will help not only those in the constituency of the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) but many others.

Mr. Jay

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that in future he will follow the recommendations of the Leitch Report in all his decisions about new road schemes?

Mr. Rodgers

I cannot confirm that at this stage, in precisely the words that my right hon. Friend has used. I welcome the Leitch Report. The decisions that we are currently making are made in the light of the report. I have accepted the recommendation to set up a standing advisory committee, and all the other recommendations will colour my decisions even while we are considering what we ought to do about them.

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