HC Deb 08 December 1937 vol 330 cc386-7
61. Sir N. Grattan-Doyle

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the proposals made to him by the Automobile Association for the continuous development of 18 main highways in order of importance as traffic arteries; and whether he is prepared to accept these proposals as the starting point of a national programme of trunk road development and improvement?

The Minister of transport (Mr. Burgin)

The Automobile Association has made no proposals to me, but I have seen references in the Press to the proposals to which my hon. Friend refers. As at present advised, I propose, as funds and circumstances permit, to devote first attention to those points where the survey now being carried out by my Department discloses the greatest need for improvements.

62. Lieut.-Commander Tufnell

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has given consideration to the possibility of easing the congestion on certain roads by the construction of additional roads along side the railways where there is land available; and whether he will undertake to review this matter in detail during the coming year?

Mr. Burgin

In examining the possible siting of new roads, the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend is one of the many considerations which must always be borne in mind by my advisers.

Sir Joseph Nail

Is my right hon. Friend now considering the scheme submitted by the Lancashire County Council and can he say when his decision will be communicated?

Mr. Burgin

I think that is a very different matter, and I am not aware that it has anything to do with railways along side roads.

Lieut.-Commander Tufnell

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to consider that such a scheme will use up less agricultural land and be less prejudicial to the beauty of the country?

Mr. Burgin

There is a good deal of difficulty about deriving access to a road-way across a railway running parallel.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Is it not a fact that roads immediately contiguous to railway property are in fact railway property and that it is more or less impossible to pay the rates asked for them?