asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to improve the low standards of service provided by monopoly contractors at service centers on motorways.

I do not accept that the companies operating motorway service areas are monopoly contractors since they are in competition both with each other and with facilities off the motorways. Most operators, especially at the newer service areas, maintain an acceptable standard of service. Some of the older service areas, however, are now too small for the demands made of them and, in such circumstances, the standard of service must inevitably decline. My right hon. Friend is seeking to extend these older service areas as rapidly as arrangements can be made with the operators concerned and the available resources allow.