HC Deb 25 May 1938 vol 336 cc1213-4
64. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made With local authorities concerning the lighting of the East Lancashire road from Liverpool to Manchester?

Mr. Burgin

I have received no applications for assistance from the appropriate authorities to instal new systems of lighting on this road, and I understand that the county council, which has certain powers in this respect, does not propose to take any action. I would add that the portions in Liverpool, Swinton and Pendlebury are lit, and illumination is also provided at the nine principal junctions.

Mr. Tinker

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman do something on his own to help these people and the local authorities to remedy what is obviously a great defect and is causing many accidents?

Mr. Burgin

I really am not satisfied that there is any demand that the whole length of this road should be lighted. Perhaps the hon. Member will go into the matter in detail with me. I am most anxious to have access to all the information which he possesses.

Mr. George Griffiths

Could not the Minister disguise himself and have a look at this thing?

70. Mr. W. A.

Robinson asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the special provision of accommodation for cyclists on the Liverpool-East Lancashire road; and whether he will consider favourably a scheme for converting the road into one with dual carriageways and fly-over junctions and providing a special cycle road on one side only?

Mr. Burgin

On the Liverpool-East Lancashire trunk road the construction of dual cycle-tracks nine feet wide for a length of 2 ½miles from its junction with the Manchester-Preston-Carlisle trunk road will be put in hand shortly. I propose in due course to extend these tracks westwards for the whole length of the road. I am causing islands to be placed in the existing carriageway at some of the road junctions, but I have no immediate intention of widening the existing 4o feet carriageway in order to provide dual carriageways. The cost of providing fly-over junctions would, I fear, be prohibitive.

Mr. Robinson

Will the Minister light these roads?

Mr. Burgin

That is a separate question: it is not for me to light the roads.