§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in respect of the totality of his responsibilties, he will publish the results of his appreciation of the potential of the railway network in linking industrial areas to air and sea ports; and how this use of existing facilities affects his proposals for an expansion of the road programme.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe railway network already makes an important contribution and has considerable potential. At the same time there can be no doubt of the need for good road access: roads carry over 60 per cent. of total goods traffic.
The British Railways Board's corporate plan envisages a substantial capital programme over the coming five years.