HC Deb 18 May 1953 vol 515 c1682
34. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Transport what are the prospects of building a by-pass round Staines.

Mr. Braithwaite

I am unable to say when it will be possible to construct this expensive by-pass involving, as it will, a new bridge over the Thames.

Captain Pilkington

Is my hon. Friend aware that the congestion on the road through Staines is extremely bad and the accumulated waste of petrol, time and temper would be more than outweighed by the advantages of this proposal?

Mr. Braithwaite

I am increasingly conscious of that every time I motor to the West country. The cost of the scheme in present circumstances will be between £600,000 and £700,000 and regret that the funds are not available.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

As it will cost only £600,000 or £700,000, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that anything he can do to make it unnecessary for anyone not living in Staines to go o Staines will be most gratefully welcomed by the local population?

Mr. Braithwaite

I am sure that that is so, but the hon. and gallant Gentleman might have used his persuasion in that direction between 1945 and 1951.