HC Deb 23 October 1950 vol 478 cc2457-8
1. Mr. Grey

asked the Minister of Transport if he has any further statement to make on the question of the new road through the City of Durham.

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)

My hon. Friend will be aware that the object here is to arrive at a scheme acceptable to the two councils concerned and to myself. The county council are ready to consider any scheme put forward by the city council which I accept as sound. Some months ago the city council did submit a scheme to my divisional road engineer, who raised questions on it to which he is awaiting answers.

Mr. Grey

Is the Minister aware of the urgent need of the new road and will he place a time limit upon the two authorities to come to agreement?

Mr. Barnes

I do not quite think that the two authorities would accept the placing of a time limit on their consideration. I realise the need to get this scheme settled and I will do what I can to promote agreement.

Mr. Henry Strauss

Is the scheme which the right hon. Gentleman contemplates one that has been approved, or one that has been condemned, by Dr. Thomas Sharp, the distinguished town planner, who has made a particular study of the problems of Durham and knows and loves that city?

Mr. Barnes

I do not know whether the scheme which the city council has submitted is that to which the hon. and learned Member is referring; but that is the scheme which I have under consideration.