HC Deb 11 May 1953 vol 515 cc872-3
37 and 38. Mr. Grey

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if he will make a further statement regarding the new road through Durham; and

(2) what final conclusions were reached when representatives from the Durham City Council met him on the question of the new road through Durham.

Mr. Braithwaite

Meetings between officers of my Department and representatives of Durham City Council led to the conclusion that additional information was required before a firm decision could be taken on the line to be followed by the proposed new road through Durham. A meeting is to be held in Durham shortly between representatives of the county and city councils, with officers from my Ministry and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government present, to arrange for this information to be obtained.

Mr. Grey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the question of a new road through Durham has been talked about for the past 50 years and that they are no nearer a solution of the problem? Is he aware of the dangerous situation in Durham with extensive traffic travelling through the city and that it is a nightmare to walk down the streets, especially at week-ends? Will he realise the importance of this and try to speed up the whole matter?

Mr. Braithwaite

I am aware that there is a considerable conflict of opinion on this matter between Durham County Council and Durham City Council, and I am therefore anxious to do nothing to prejudice the success of the forthcoming meeting.