§ 23. Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated cost of making a new arterial road near Windmill Hill between Horndean and Petersfield on 589 the Portsmouth road; and why this work is being done at the present time when labour and materials are urgently needed for new housing estates.
§ Mr. BarnesA second carriageway, with footways, is being constructed on this stretch of the Portsmouth road, at an estimated cost of £100,000, in the interests of safety. Civil engineering labour only is being employed.
§ Mr. GammansIs the Minister aware that this is the loneliest and least frequented part of the Portsmouth road, and what conceivable justification is there for spending labour now on this work when it is so urgently required elsewhere?
§ Mr. BarnesI do not think that that is the case. This is a rather heavily trafficked road and the present carriageway varies unduly. As a matter of fact, this extension is also to be used for certain road research work.