HC Deb 14 February 1978 vol 944 cc154-5W
Dr. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how the terms of reference of the Prior Committee have been enlarged to include siting of service stations on motorways; if he will consider further extending the time for consultations and publication of its report; and if he will further consider enlarging the committee to include specialists in environmental matters such as representatives from the Council for the Preservation of Rural England and Country Land Owners Association.

Mr. William Rodgers

The terms of reference of the committee of inquiry into motorway service areas have not been enlarged. They were designed to enable the committee to inquire into all aspects of service areas.

As for the timetable, I am sure that the committee should continue to plan to submit its report by the end of June, having allowed adequate time in which to receive evidence.

All members of the committee serve in a personal capacity and not as representatives. In addition to the original membership announced on 22nd November 1977 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection and I have appointed Professor Bernard Corry, BSc(Econ), PhD, Head of the Department of Economics at Queen Mary's College, London, Miss Margaret Costa, restaurateur and journalist, and Mr. David Jeffries, Director of Marketing, English Tourist Board, who has also lately agreed to serve. We do not envisage any further need to enlarge the membership of the committee.