§ 43. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Minister of Transport when work commenced on the Western Avenue; 2804 what is the total length of road contemplated; how many miles have been completed and opened for traffic; and what is the reason for the delay in construction?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe first section in Hammersmith was commenced in 1920 the County Councils of London and Middlesex have since completed other sections and work is still in progress. The total length of the projected road is 13 miles, of which four and a quarter miles are already completed. When two railway bridges now under construction are finished a further length of one and a half miles will be available for traffic. I am unable to give the construction of other sections of this arterial road priority over other important improvements, but I am assisting the Middlesex County Council to safeguard the lines of the road.
§ Sir A. KNOXIn view of the importance of this road to the traders of High Wycombe, can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman state when it will probably be completed—in what year?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI cannot possibly say when, because there are other projects concerned.
§ Sir A. KNOXWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman push the work on as fast as he can, and use his influence to get it through?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIt is not a question of influence; it is a question of finance.
§ Mr. CRAWFURDWhen the right hon. and gallant Gentleman speaks of priority, does he mean financial priority?
§ Colonel ASHLEYPriority in most cases hinges on finance.