36. Sir I. Clark Hutchisonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will state the number of accidents which have occurred since the stopping-up, in June, 1952, of a portion of the Edinburgh—Stirling trunk road, A.9, adjoining Turnhouse Aerodrome and the consequent diversion of a heavy volume of traffic along a route which is both inadequate and unsuitable; and if he will now take immediate steps either to reopen or replace the stopped-up portion of A.9.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Hugh Molson)Between 1st June, 1952, and 31st May, this year, three accidents have occurred in Eastfield Road and 18 at the junction of that road with the Glasgow—Edinburgh road. An improvement is about to be made at the junction, and this will, I hope, make conditions there much safer. I am glad to say that my right hon. Friend has now agreed with the Secretary of State for Air that an alternative road in place of the stopped-up part of A.9 will be provided.
Sir I. Clark HutchisonWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that information, may I ask if he can say when the work is likely to start on the new diversion road to which he has referred?
§ Mr. MolsonYes, Sir. It is hoped that the improvement will start immediately.
§ Mr. WoodburnIn the interim, would it be possible for approval to be given to a road between Queensferry and Kirkliston which would be capable of taking off the main road a lot of traffic going through the village of Corstorphine which causes great dislocation in that village?
§ Mr. MolsonI will certainly consider that matter, but the representations received have been that no diversion would be satisfactory because a new road is required, and that is what it is now proposed to provide.