§ 17. Mr. Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Hall Green)If he will make a statement on his plans to establish a commission for integrated transport. [73429]
§ The Minister of Transport (Dr. John Reid)We are establishing a commission for integrated transport to give Ministers independent advice on the implementation of our integrated transport policy. We intend to announce the composition of the commission shortly.
§ Mr. McCabeIt is surely common sense to seek improved co-ordination of transport and to ensure that we make the most beneficial use of all modes of transport in an integrated manner. Is not that approach infinitely preferable to the mentality of roads and profits first of the previous Government?
§ Dr. ReidYes, my hon. Friend is right. The White Paper that we published last July was the most significant and radical document on transport for more than quarter of a century. It provided a platform and an agenda for a generation. Under our integrated transport plan, we shall renew our public transport services, provide choice for the traveller and balance economic advantage against environmental impact. I hope that the Opposition will at long last realise that, after nearly 20 years in government, they managed to leave a transport system that failed to give satisfaction or performance to transport users. The Government will not do the same.
§ Mr. Norman Baker (Lewes)Does the Minister agree that a key requirement of any integrated transport policy is a reduction in road traffic levels? Will he explain why he has abandoned his policy of reducing road traffic and instead adopted a Tory policy of reducing road traffic growth? Does he think that the best way to deal with congestion is to have more vehicles on the road?
§ Dr. ReidThe hon. Gentleman has managed the double whammy by getting both statements wrong: we have not changed our policy; nor have we adopted the Conservative policy. We have said that we want a reduction in road traffic growth and, as part of that— [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] I know that it is hard for the hon. Gentleman to conceive of two ideas at the same time, but he should let me finish. As part of that, there will be an absolute reduction in traffic levels in certain areas. That was our policy, it is our policy and it will continue to be our policy.