§ 27. Mr. SORENSENasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the plans for the projected Dartford-Purfleet tunnel make no pro- 144 vision for cyclists and pedestrians; whether he will see that provision is made at least for cyclists and, if possible, for pedestrians; and whether he is aware of the hardship that will be inflicted, and resentment caused, if such provision is not made?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHATo widen the proposed tunnel sufficiently to provide separate accommodation for cyclists and pedestrians would, I am advised, present engineering difficulties which it is desirable to avoid.
§ Mr. SORENSENIs it impossible, with the money allocated for the purpose, to provide some kind of pedestrian way, and is there not some sort of passage along which passengers might walk in the event of a breakdown?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have answered the question. It is entirely a matter of engineering difficulties. The engineers advise me that it would be cheaper and more satisfactory to build an entirely separate tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists than to widen the proposed tunnel.
§ Mr. SORENSENHas the Minister considered the advisability of providing two tunnels for the purpose?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThat would not be for me to consider, but for the responsible highway authorities.
§ Mr. GALLACHERCan the right hon. Gentleman not get the engineer to advise him to build a bridge across the Forth?