asked the Minister of Transport what steps he proposes to take to encourage the drivers of long-distance and other forms of through-traffic to use by-pass routes where provided.

Vice-Admiral Hughes-Hallet:

We hope that the new directional sign posting recommended by the Worboys Committee will help to do this.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the internal areas of some towns which have been by-passed at tremendous public expense are still snarled up at rush periods by some forms of through traffic and long-distance traffic? Is not some research now required to find out why such drivers are reluctant to take advantage of some of the new by-pass routes?

I agree with the hon. Gentleman. This matter is the subject of a great deal of study. In cases where there is a ring road, there is no difficulty at all; but in cases where the by-pass is on only one side of the city it may well be necessary, for the sake of connecting with a primary road entering the city on the side which is not by-passed, for through traffic to go into the centre.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is considerable concern in Kent on this matter? Since the opening of the Medway by-pass, a number of heavy lorries, particularly private lorries, are using the main town. The view in Kent is that Whitehall may plan but that tea houses are more attractive than Whitehall's planning. Would he consider more tea houses being built on by-passes?

I do not think we can undertake the building of tea houses, but I will certainly look into the other point raised by my hon. Friend.