HC Deb 26 November 1973 vol 865 cc24-5W
Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had with environmental groups about his future motorway and trunk road plans.

Mr. Speed

My right hon. and learned Friend is in regular contact with environmental groups about a wide variety of road proposals.

Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what effect the transfer of the bulk of freight travelling more than 50 miles from road to rail would have on the commercial need for inter-urban motorways.

Mr. Speed

Motorway schemes are justified on an individual basis and as an element of Government policy for the completion of a strategic trunk road network. The impact of transferring freight from road to rail would reflect the particular mix of traffic existing and forecast on individual routes and the range of transport facilities available.

Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will review the proposed extension to the motorway network.

Mr. Speed

The justification for individual schemes is reviewed at a number of stages in the planning and preparation procedures.

Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total acreage of agricultural land lost to all forms of motorway and road construction during the last 10 years.

Mr. Speed

This information is not available. It could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.