Integrated Transport Policy

HC Deb 24 June 1997 vol 296 c490W

Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the White Paper on the long-term strategy for an integrated transport policy to be published; and if he will make a statement. [5162]

Dr. Strang

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 5 June 1997,Official Report, column 226.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the(a) desirability and (b) feasibility of internalising social and environmental externalities within each transport mode. [4882]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Government welcome the principle of internalising the external costs of transport which encourages more environmentally friendly, fairer and more efficient use of transport. However, the Government also recognise the uncertainties and difficulties of implementation, and supports the need for further study and debate on the issues raised. For example, the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions is at the forefront of research trying to place monetary values on the environmental impact of transport and other activities.