HL Deb 10 July 1990 vol 521 cc117-8

2.56 p.m.

Lord Molloy asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to encourage private investors to build lanes beside existing motorways for the exclusive use of heavy goods vehicles.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, the Government are encouraging the private sector to come forward with new road-building proposals. It is for them to judge what sort of roads would be financially viable. Lanes reserved for heavy goods vehicles might well be a possibility.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, I thank the noble Viscount for his reply, particularly the last few words because the scheme is just as imaginative as it was when first mooted. When the Government have come to a decision, will they ensure that parliamentary procedures are adopted that will require a Bill so that the proposal can be examined? Is the noble Viscount aware that most people, I believe, thoroughly agree with the idea?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, the question was raised in the consultation paper published last year called New Roads by New Means. Paragraph 39 of the document referred to the possibility of the Secretary of State making adaptation by order, where safety was not compromised, to meet the needs of the operators' business; for example, by restricting the use of roads to particular classes of vehicle.

Lord Carmichael of Kelvingrove

My Lords, does the Minister think that this suggestion will go the same way as road pricing, which was officially buried by the Secretary of State for Transport in another place yesterday? Does the noble Viscount agree that there appears to be some confusion over the matter? The Prime Minister said at the Tory ladies' conference that it would form part of the manifesto whereupon Downing Street said that she was thinking aloud, while Conservative Central Office said that it was not a Conservative Party initiative so far as it was aware and that the Prime Minister was speaking off the top of her head?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, I always listen to my right honourable friend with rapt attention. Other than that, I cannot make any further comment.

Lord Mulley

My Lords, can we have an assurance from the noble Viscount that in the case of roads promoted by private money there will be no relaxation of the rules or the cumbersome public inquiry system that exists for public roads unless, as I would wish, he abolishes the latter?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, that is outside the scope of the Question. However, I shall write to the noble Lord with a view on the matter.

Lord Ezra

My Lords, are we to understand from earlier answers given by the noble Viscount on this Question that the Government could be considering designating routes for heavy vehicles, coaches and other large vehicles in congested areas?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, we have not reached that stage yet.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, the noble Viscount's rapt attention is not enough. Is it not the case that the proposal was made with the full authority of the Prime Minister of this country? Is he aware that the Road Haulage Association said that the proposal was mind-boggling? Who is travelling in the right lane, the Prime Minister or the association?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, the Prime Minister, of course.

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