§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he is giving to the recent report on "The Travel Needs of Road Users" published by the Association of County Councils, in particular the recommendation that special attention should be paid in the design of all highway schemes to the need for service facilities provision, and where appropriate additional land purchased for this purpose prior to construction; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe are considering the ACC report and propose to respond to it shortly. On motorways we currently seek to arrange that service areas are provided either when the road opens or as soon as possible thereafter. It is not always feasible to buy the necessary land before construction. On trunk roads, provision of services is primarily a matter for private initiative; we are considering in the light of the ACC's report whether we should take further action to facilitate provision in the right locations.