Hon. Anthony Berry: Is not the hon. Gentleman over-stretching the language when he refers to gigantic increases in accidents? Surely the motorways have shown a tremendous decrease in accidents over the years.
Hon. Anthony Berry: asked the Minister of Transport when he will make a decision about rail and underground links with Heathrow Airport.
Hon. Anthony Berry: Does the hon. Gentleman believe that that answer is satisfactory? The last time I asked about this matter I was told that there were still points to be cleared up and that a decision would be taken as soon as possible. Does not the hon. Gentleman appreciate that this is the gateway to Europe for many travellers who bring in much foreign currency and that a decision will affect them and the...
Hon. Anthony Berry: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.
Hon. Anthony Berry: asked the Minister of Transport how many marinas are scheduled for construction by the British Waterways Board; what is the estimated cost of these; and which schemes at what cost have been approved by him.
Hon. Anthony Berry: Would the hon. Gentleman not agree that as these marinas are urgently needed and private investors are keen to build them, and as the cost to the British Waterways Board would involve a loan and interest thereon, would it not be better to concentrate the Board's money on the improvement of the waterways themselves, such as the Ashton and Lower Peak Forest Canals?
Hon. Anthony Berry: asked the Minister of Transport when he will make a decision about rail and underground links with Heathrow Airport.
Hon. Anthony Berry: Although that represents a slight improvement on previous replies, does the hon. Gentleman realise the urgency of the problem? Within 10 years 30 million travellers will be using Heathrow Airport and it is vital to have this rail link as soon as possible, particularly bearing in mind that many people who today use London as their entry to Europe will very soon switch to Paris if proper...
Hon. Anthony Berry: asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will take steps to provide that where a tenant persistently refuses to attend a hearing of a rent tribunal the determination of the rent shall be decided in his absence.
Hon. Anthony Berry: Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have a constituent who has been unable to have a rent determined because of the absence of a tenant? Is it right that his application should have been described as frivolous just because there is no tenant available to give evidence before the tribunal?
Hon. Anthony Berry: Would not the hon. Member honour the promises he gave at the time of his election?
Hon. Anthony Berry: asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has to publicise the need for parents to ensure that children wear safety belts in cars.
Hon. Anthony Berry: I am obliged for that Answer. But is the hon. Gentleman not aware that there is still some doubt among medical opinion and other experts as to whether safety belts are the right answer for smaller children because of the state of their bones? Will he give an urgent decision in the matter and redouble his efforts, at the same time looking into the danger of small children being carried on...
Hon. Anthony Berry: asked the Minister of Transport how many miles of motorways he now expects to be completed during 1969.
Hon. Anthony Berry: Is not that a very disappointing figure? It is well below the average of the last few years. Surely we should be increasing the figure each year? Have cuts been made in the programmes during the last three years for the main motorways such as the M3 and M5, and is there a shortfall programme for this year?
Hon. Anthony Berry: In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.
Hon. Anthony Berry: I am grateful to the Minister for making a change which I sought in Committee. It does not bind the Transport Executive to any particular size, but as it provides some extra flexibility it might be useful.
Hon. Anthony Berry: I beg to move Amendment No. 4, in page 5, line 11, at end insert 'and costings'. This is an important Amendment. I do not so describe it because my name is attached to it, but because those words were used by the Minister in Committee. Its purpose is to place an obligation on the executive of British Rail or the National Bus Company to co-operate with a view to co-ordinating their services....
Hon. Anthony Berry: I beg to move Amendment No. 13, in page 28, line 42, leave out 'express' and insert '(a)'.
Hon. Anthony Berry: These Amendments are all completely interlinked. We come now to another old friend from the Committee stage, the question of express services and stage services. I must confess to a little disappointment. In replying to our earlier debate in Committee, the Parliamentary Secretary said that there might be something in my point and that he wanted another look at it. So I expected to find these...
