89. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what arrangements he is making for the provision of fuel, catering and other facilities on the London to Birmingham motorway.
§ Mr. WatkinsonInvitations to tender are being sent on Friday, 17th April, to all those persons and organisations that have expressed an interest in developing these facilities. Copies of the tender documents will be available on that date for any other firms that apply.
I propose for the present to develop fully two service areas, at Newport Pagnell, and at Watford Gap in Northamptonshire. Each area will contain petrol filling stations, emergency breakdown and repair facilities, catering services for commercial drivers and private motorists, toilets, telephones, and parking space. It is not my intention at this stage to permit overnight sleeping accommodation. Licensed premises will not be allowed, although the successful tenderers may apply if they wish to the licensing justices for a table licence.