§ 13. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what consideration has been given to deciding on what date in 1955 work will recommence on the construction of the Dartford Purfleet Tunnel.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am in touch both with the promoters and the consulting engineers about this.
§ Mr. DoddsWill not the right hon. Gentleman make a supreme effort to try to be helpful in a matter in which a large number of people are interested? Since 1955 is only five or six weeks away, can he say on what date in 1955 this work can commence? If not, will the Minister meet a deputation in order that it can get this information from him?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAs the hon. Gentleman, who knows a great deal about this subject, will be aware, before the constructional work to which his Question refers can be started, it will be necessary to put in order the existing plant and equipment, which has been standing idle for a considerable time.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down that Question?
§ 24. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what traffic checks have taken place, designed to give an indication of the use that would be made of the Dartford-Purfleet Tunnel, when completed; and the conclusions reached.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe Kent and Essex County Councils carried out a traffic survey in July, 1953, which, as the hon. Member was informed in reply to his Question on 27th January, indicated that some 6,400 vehicles a day might then have used the tunnel had it existed.
§ Mr. DoddsAs I think that I shall make greater progress with a friendly Joint Parliamentary Secretary, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.