§ Mr. Altonasked the Minister of Transport if he will institute studies into the way that the continued construction of the strategic road network may increase dependence on the private lorry and car.
§ Mr. FowlerWhile it is clear that without the development of the strategic road network the increases in personal mobility and reductions in cost achieved through the use of motor vehicles could not have been achieved, it is unlikely that filling the remaining gaps or bypassing towns and villages would cause a significant change in general transport patterns, though the impact of individual schemes on competing modes is considered where appropriate. Studies in this area are expensive and I am not convinced that a major new one would be worth while at this stage.