HC Deb 26 May 1954 vol 528 cc376-7
4. Mr. Grey

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if agreement has yet been reached on the question of the new road through Durham.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)

This question has not yet been settled, but we now have the views of the county and the city councils on the traffic figures, and as soon as these have been considered in the light of a report to be made by the district valuer on the cost of acquiring the property involved, I hope that we shall be nearer finality.

Mr. Follick

On a point of order. I wish to seek your advice, Mr. Speaker, in registering a protest. On Monday fairly early, I handed in a Question to the Table, and I think I was given an assurance, more or less, that it would come up today for answer by the Minister of Transport. It has appeared in the Leicester Press. I did not give it to the Press, so it must have been handed to the Table properly. Moreover, I heard outside the door that the Minister had received all the particulars about that Question. I should like to ask why it has not appeared on the Paper.

Mr. Speaker

I do not know anything about that. I do not know whether the hon. Member handed in his Question in time. The last time for handing it in, if it was proposed for Wednesday, would have been before 2.30 on Monday. It seems to me probable that the hon. Member handed it in after 2.30, which would be the reason why it is not on the Paper. As for the Press, I have no knowledge or responsibility about that.

Mr. Grey

As the answer to my Question was given so long ago, I have almost forgotten it. However, it seems to be the same as before. There has not been any progress in the matter at all. It has been under consideration such a long time. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the situation in Durham and of the increase in traffic and of the need for some satisfactory arrangements and for a new road? I understand he is to visit the North-East. Will he visit the city of Durham and see for himself the road congestion and the dangerous situation?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I do know the situation very well. The trouble has been that the Durham City Council that used to be the planning authority favours a low level bridge and the county council that is now the planning authority favours a high level bridge. My duty has been to bring both sides together. I think they are nearer, and I hope to take action.

Mr. P. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend say whether he is going to visit the North-East? If he is, will he meet the county councils and city councils?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

There is a Question on that point on the Order Paper.