HC Deb 01 February 1978 vol 943 cc454-5
23. Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied that trunk road construction contributes to economic growth in the light of the findings of the Leitch Committee; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. William Rodgers

Good communications are relevant to industrial investment, even if they are not decisive, and investment is relevant to growth.

Mr. Cook

Does that mean that my right hon. Friend is rejecting the specific and precise conclusion of the Leitch Committee, and that the argument that new trunk roads may have a significant benefit to the economy of the country, or to the regions, is weak, or at best not proven? Does he accept that that conclusion, together with the revised traffic forecasts provided by the Leitch Committee, makes a compelling case for a comprehensive review of the future road commitments of his Department?

Mr. Rodgers

I am not rejecting what my hon. Friend refers to as the specific and precise conclusions of the committee. However, with respect, my hon. Friend is jumping from the specific and precise conclusions to something rather more. The House has generally accepted that the evidence is strong that good communications are relevant to industrial investment, which means jobs and growth. We have to ensure that our decisions take account of the extent to which that should not be the decisive factor in the decisions that we are taking.

Mr. Forman

Will the Secretary of State give me an assurance that, in the light of the sensible and widely welcomed recommendations in the Leitch Report, there will be no danger of a repeat of the kind of muddle and delay that has been caused to many of my constituents over the decision on the M23 north of Hooley? Will he now announce a firm decision on that matter?

Mr. Rodgers

I certainly cannot make any announcement in the House today. The Leitch Report, which I greatly welcome, will contribute towards wiser decisions than have been made in the past. I should make it clear that the more complicated the decisions, the longer the process may be. That is one of the consequences of the kind of public consultation that is widely welcomed today.