HC Deb 26 January 1948 vol 446 c665
89. Colonel Ropner

asked the Minister of Transport the reason for the delay in reaching a final conclusion with regard to the line of the by-pass road at Wetherby; and whether, in view of the fact that the negotiations for the establishment by the Wetherby Rural District Council of an industrial area outside Wetherby cannot be completed until a definite decision is reached about the bypass, he will give an assurance that a conclusion will be reached without further delay.

Mr. Barnes

Surveys and consultations with the appropriate authorities have been taking place to see whether the line established before the war can be suitably amended. I am glad to say that an alternative has now been found which I believe will be acceptable to all concerned.

Colonel Ropner

The Minister has not replied to the first part of the Question. Can he tell the House why there has been this quite unreasonable delay in reaching a conclusion; and would he say whether I am right in assuming that the Wetherby Rural District Council can now carry on with the remainder of their plan?

Mr. Barnes

The hon. and gallant Member will appreciate that this line was originally settled before the war. It has recently been surveyed, and the proposals of the Wetherby Rural District Council have now been found acceptable.