§ 2.44 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied with the present progress of construction on new motorways; and whether they are considering introducing a system of tolls on these roads when completed.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD CHESHAM)My Lords, 217½ miles of motorway are in use. A further 41 miles will be opened this month, and another 34½ miles before the end of the year. Yet another 72½ miles are under construction; 29½, miles are at the stage of getting tenders, and some 600 further miles are at varying stages of preparation. We have substantially increased each year the funds devoted to the road programme and to motorways in it. Our aim is 1,000 miles of motorway by the early 1970s, and present progress is consistent with that.
It was announced in 1961 that the policy of charging tolls on large and expensive bridges and tunnels would be continued and that tolls would not be charged on motorways forming part of the five major projects or early extensions of them. This policy still applies. Whether or not we should charge tolls on later motorways has not yet been decided.
THE EARL OF GOSFORDMy Lords, may I ask my noble friend when Her Majesty's Government are going to announce the extension of their present programme, details of which he has just given to the House, to something up to what the County Surveyors' Association have said this country requires—that is, a further 1,700 miles over the present 1,000—if the roads are not to become entirely stagnant. As to tolls, is my noble friend aware that of the money found by the motorist only a very small proportion of the money goes into roads and that any toll would be out of proportion?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, it seems to me that in a sense my noble friend has raised what is a further matter and brought in somebody else's plan. The plan which has been put forward by the noble Lord is the opinion of an Association which does not have the charge of looking after the other national interests, as do the Government. More specifically, I would say to my noble friend that my right honourable friend has already offered to discuss the proposals with the Association in the light of their own studies into future highway needs. He has asked them, first, for further comment, which he still awaits.
§ THE EARL OF LUCANMy Lords, could the noble Lord say whether his Department exercise any consideration as to the proper balance between expenditure on motorways and on the improvement of ordinary roads?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, we do our best to do so.