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• Britain's new Transport Secretary is Cecil Parkinson. He has the job of rescuing the Government's faltering reputation over its roads and rail policy before the next General Election.
The former Energy Secretary takes over what has become a high-profile political post from Paul Channon, who was sacked in the Cabinet reshuffle on Monday.
Parkinson — a former Conservative chairman disgraced by the Sarah Keays affair in 1983 — was not expecting to get the 252,627-a-year transport job, but had been tipped as a possible new Trade and Industry secretary or even Foreign Secretary in the mm term shake-up.
Now he will be picking ui where Channon left off with tion to curb road congestior improve strike-hit railway s. vices and introduce the Cha nel Tunnel scheme.
On roads, the DTp is cor mitted to a £12 billion boost spending over the next five years, but still faces formidi problems caused by the hug increase in vehicle traffic.
Robert Atkins, Conservat member for South Ribble, a former Trade Industry minü ter, replaces Peter Bottomt as Roads and Traffic ministr rittomley has been moved to junior minister post at the orthern Ireland office. Patrick lcLoughlin replaces Lord Braizon of Tara, and Michael artillo remains as the public ansport minister and Parkinm's deputy.
Many people in the industry 'ere sad to see Channon leavig the Dip.
Richard Diment of the Brit h Roads 'Federation says: Channon is going when he had Laded to solve many of our nad problems. We hope Parinson will be Transport ecretary for some time to put :hannon's plans into reality.
"Parkinson's ministerial exerience is mainly in industry nd commerce, therefore he flows industry needs good oad links," says Diment.
"He also has the ear of the 'rime Minister so we hope he All stress the need to put ;hannon's plans into action as [uickly as possible." Industry bosses such as David Yeomans managing director of Wincanton also view Parkinson's appointment as a positive step, saying that it reflects the Government's commitment to improving roads.
United Road Transport Union boss Frank Griffin says: "Mrs Thatcher must realise the importance of roads to give one of her favourite ministers Channon's job."
The Freight Transport Association says it is sure Parkinson will prove to be a capable 'Transport Secretary, and the Road Haulage Association says: "We look forward to the same good working relationship we enjoyed with Parkinson's predecessor."
However, the Transport and General Workers Union says: "There is no reason to believe that this appointment will lead to any improvement in the Government's transport policies."