§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will examine the present major road and rail services in Kent, especially those connecting Kent towns with London, and consider their efficiency, effectiveness and quality in relation to road and rail services elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe national trunk road network is kept constantly under review. The national programme at present includes 15 major improvement schemes in Kent at various stages of preparation, collectively totalling some 73.5 miles and valued at £223 million (1985 prices). Other smaller but worthwhile schemes are in the regional programme.
We also support the county council's road building programme through the TSG system. In Kent's case we have undertaken to give sympathetic consideration to schemes made necessary by the Channel tunnel. The resources agreed in such cases are additional to those provided for in the county's normal programme.
As regards rail services, it is for British Rail to provide the appropriate level of service within the overall framework of objectives and quality standards that we have set it. The provision of bus services is for the bus operators and local authorities.