HC Deb 24 July 1973 vol 860 cc362-3W
Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to reduce the cost of meals for lorry drivers at motorway service stations.

Mr. Speed

No. Prices charged for meals at motorway service areas to lorry drivers, like those charged to their other customers, are a matter for the service area operators within the requirement of their leasesto supply in the catering premises meals and refreshments of good quality at reasonable prices",

Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will establish a committee of inquiry into refreshment facilities for long-distance lorry drivers on both motorway and other roads.

Mr. Speed

Refreshment facilities for long-distance lorry drivers is one aspect of the review currently in hand of the facilities at motorway service areas. A public opinion survey was held in May last, and when the results are available I propose to have discussions with the service area operators.

It would therefore be inappropriate to consider at this time establishing such a committee of inquiry.

Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps designed to ensure, by revision of leases or otherwise, that better facilities exist for booking overnight accommodation for long-distance lorry drivers on motorways.

Mr. Speed

Drivers from the motorways will be served by the proposed national network of long-distance lorry parks which will incorporate overnight accommodation.