§ 2. Mr. Donnerasked the Minister of Transport on what grounds more than £32,000 has been spent in straightening out a road-bend between Sutton Scotney and Basingstoke in the district of Micheldever, Hampshire.
§ Mr. BarnesThis bend was a danger spot. During the year preceding the preparation of the scheme six accidents occurred there, three of them in daylight, involving four deaths and five serious injuries.
§ Mr. DonnerHow does the right hon. Gentleman explain why there is this considerable expenditure incurred on this bend when there are many more dangerous bends which should and could be straightened out at less cost?
§ Mr. BarnesI cannot express an opinion whether there are more dangerous bends that want attention at less cost. All I can say is that official road engineers have given very full examination to this, and that in their view the alteration is justified.
§ Mr. DonnerSurely, the Minister agrees that this is a fantastic degree of expenditure?
§ Mr. BarnesNot in view of the amount of work undertaken.
§ Mr. ScollanWill not my right hon. Friend agree that, obviously, what is wanted, instead of the straightening out of roads, is some kind of danger signal that must be obeyed?
§ Mr. BarnesI do not think that that affects this problem. These were head-on collisions in daylight, and, therefore, it is clear that we want the straightening out of the road.