§ 3. Dr. Twinnasked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for taking over the establishment and supervision of lorry routes when the Greater London Council's responsibilities are reallocated.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Transport (Mrs. Lynda Chalker)I am now seeking the views of 4 local authorities and others about our proposals for reallocating highway and traffic responsibilities in London. The arrangements adopted for handling London's lorry traffic generally will need to cater for the widespread importance and impact of freight movement in and around London.
§ Dr. TwinnWhatever the Minister's final decision, will she give proper weight to the needs for commerce and industry in London and avoid the doctrinaire response of the Greater London Council in the Wood report?
§ Mrs. ChalkerIndustry and commerce must have full consideration in any scheme involving lorry ban proposals. I agree with my hon. Friend that a blanket ban as proposed by the GLC prior to the Wood report would not be conducive to employment in London. The GLC should take careful note of what it would do to London employment and industry if it proceeded with a complete ban. Careful planning and full consultation with the boroughs must take place in devising lorry controls.