§ Mr. Porterasked the Minister of Transport if he will give the reasons for erecting public toilets on the A41 at Eastham: how many similar projects exist in the current programme; and what steps he proposes to take to stop such expenditure.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMy right hon. Friend is not, in fact, proceeding with the scheme to which my hon. Friend refers. Since powers were first obtained in the Highways Act 1971, only 25 toilet blocks have so far been provided by the Department on trunk roads in England. They cost around £25,000 each at today's prices. Another 19 are projected, subject to planning considerations and other practical factors and to competing claims for funds. Roadside toilets are a worthwhile provision and are provided only where alternative commercial or local authorities facilities are not readily available.