HC Deb 13 April 1984 vol 58 cc394-5W
Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will review the provision of picnic and rest sites on motorways; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will make it his policy that all new plans for motorway development should include provision of picnic sites.

Mrs. Chalker

All motorway service areas have some facilities which can be used for picnics and for rest areas. Fourteen of them have areas specifically set aside for these purposes. All operators are required to make a minimum provision of essential facilities under their leases, and it is for their commercial judgment to decide the extent to which extra facilities should be provided.

Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many motorway picnic sites have been provided in the last five years.

Mrs. Chalker

None.

Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when a motorway picnic site was last developed.

Mrs. Chalker

In 1977 at Exeter, when the last MSA was developed.