HC Deb 16 December 1942 vol 385 cc1932-3
70. Mr. Thorneycroft

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has considered the need for a footpath or road between Park Road, Stretford, near the fire station, to Trafford Park station; and, as it would, be of great convenience to thousands of workpeople, will he make a statement?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The construction of a new footpath between Park Road, Stretford and Trafford Park station has been considered more than once by the Stretford Corporation, whose Borough Engineer prepared estimates and plans. The Corporation decided, however, that the advantage resulting from the footpath would not justify the expenditure involved. The footpath would, in fact, be only about 160 yards shorter than the present route by the existing public roads. I hope my hon. Friend will agree that in view of these facts, and in view of the present grave shortage of labour and materials, we could not justifiably proceed with this work.

71. Mr. Thorneycroft

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has considered the need for the completion of the Barton-Stretford new road, at a point of which he has been informed; and, as the road is 95 per cent. completed and if opened it would mean a saving in time, petrol and other economies, will he make a statement on the matter?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The road in question is a private road, constructed by the owners of the factories which front it. A proposal for its completion was put forward some months ago by my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. Ellis Smith), and was then fully and sympathetically considered. It was decided, however, that the existing alternative routes are adequate, and that the value, of the road, if completed, would not, at the present stage of the war, justify the expenditure of labour and materials which would be involved. I think the reasons for this decision still hold good.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the Minister not consider the necessity of abolishing private roads?

Mr. Noel-Baker

That is another question.