§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is aware that there is no 24 hour service for fuel and food for drivers between Cannock and Holyhead on the A5 and between Swansea and the M6 on the A49; how many applications to provide such service h eve been submitted to him under the Town and Country Planning Act 1962, section 23; how many have been approved by him; and what were his reasons for not approving the others.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesMy right hon. Friend, the Minister of Housing and Local42W Government, and I have received no general representations about any need for a 24 hour service for food and fuel on these two routes, but we would always be prepared to look at any proposal for such facilities on its merits. In the last two years my right hon. Friend and I have received 13 appeals under Section 23 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1962, in respect of proposals to provide facilities for refreshment or refuelling on these routes. Of these appeals, one was allowed, one was withdrawn and two are held in abeyance pending negotiations; the others were dismissed, the reasons being the likely adverse effect of the proposals on road-safety or on the amenities of the particular area.