HC Deb 24 November 1989 vol 162 c25W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is planning to take with reference to the recent Confederation of British Industry report "Trade Routes to the Future".

Mr. Atkins

The CBI report urges a more ambitious and urgent approach to investment in transport infrastructure. That is exactly what the Government are doing. The road programme has been doubled and so will the roads vote by 1992–93. British Rail's investment is at its highest level for a quarter of a century and will increase further particularly on rail freight and London commuter services. It is also investing heavily for the Channel tunnel. London Regional Transport's investment is at record levels and is set for a further large increase. The Jubilee line extension alone will be the first major addition to the underground network for 25 years. The Civil Aviation Authority plans major additions to airspace capacity and Manchester airport is to increase its terminal capacity by 50 per cent.