HC Deb 22 November 1977 vol 939 cc638-9W
Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is proposing to take about motorway service areas.

Mr. William Rodgers

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection and I have today set up a Committee of Inquiry into Motorway Service Areas with the following terms of reference: To consider and report on how far the present facilities and services available at motorway service areas meet the needs of motorway users having particular regard to price, quality, variety and effective competition; and on what further provision should be made for the convenience of travellers bearing in mind road safety and any other relevant matters.

Mr. Peter Prior has agreed to act as chairman. The following have been appointed as Members:

  • Mr. Richard W. Davies—Deputy Director of Finance, British Aluminium Co.
  • Mr. George Hill—Chairman of Crest Hotels
  • Miss Margaret Jones—Consumer correspondent of the Daily Mirror

£ million at 1976 survey prices
1974–75 1975–76 1976–77 1977–78 1978–79
Motorways and Trunk Roads:
New Construction 482 516 463 366 372
Improvement Maintenance 60 70 79 68 76
Local Roads:
New Construction 434 363 357 256 209
Improvement Maintenance 464 461 440 420 420

The adjustments needed to take account of the extra provision for construction announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment—[Vol. 938, c.121–2]—and of the rate support grant settlement for 1978–79 have not yet been finalised.