§ Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the provision of parking garages by a number of local authorities is being delayed because of the expectation that the Government will subsidise their construction; and whether, in these circumstances, he will make a statement to clarify the position and, at the same time, take action to assist local authorities to expedite their plans in this field.
§ Mr. MarplesNo. As I have said on a number of occasions, the Government have no intention of subsidising the construction of garages, because they regard the provision of off-street parking as a local authority responsibility and a field for private enterprise. I am, of course, willing to assist local authorities with their proposals and to consider sympathetically applications for loan sanction and compulsory purchase orders.