HC Deb 18 May 1953 vol 515 c1680
30. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for improving the main London-Manchester road; and when he expects to put them into operation.

Mr. Braithwaite

It is proposed to provide ultimately dual 22 ft. carriageways in the immediate vicinity of London, Leicester, Derby and Manchester and a 30 ft. carriageway on the remaining lengths, with by-passes and diversions to avoid built-up areas where the road can-not be widened. A number of the necessary Orders under the Trunk Roads Acts have been made. I cannot say when any of these works will be put in hand.

A survey is also being made for a proposed new motor road from London to the North, which will pass near Manchester.

Air Commodore Harvey

Will my hon. Friend say what he means by "ultimately"? Is he aware that north of Lichfield the main road is quite impossible owing to the very heavy traffic? Is he further aware that tens of thousands of hours are lost by vehicles and services delivering goods and materials, and will he treat this as a matter of national urgency?

Mr. Braithwaite

By "ultimately," I mean as the economic position of the country improves, as it is doing so rapidly under the present Administration.