§ Mr. Cormackasked the Secretary of State for Transport how much land was acquired for the purpose of motorway service area construction between 1960 and 1980; and how much will be required to complete similar projects currently under construction or consideration.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe total area of land currently occupied by open motorway service areas in England is approximately 1,000 acres. We also hold about 500 acres at intermediate locations which was acquired for possible future service area development. We are at present considering the future of this land. In addition, we are currently proposing to promote the development of a service area at Birchanger (M11) for the purposes of which we hold 9 acres and we are in the process of acquiring a further 19 acres.