HC Deb 27 April 1955 vol 540 cc936-7
61 and 62. Mr. Ross

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) if he will reconsider his decision to derestrict for speed-limit purposes that stretch of A77 at Monkton which adjoins the main runway of Prestwick Airport, in view of the dangers involved;

(2) why no specific reply was made to the detailed criticism by Ayr County Council of his proposal to derestrict a section of A77 near Prestwick Airport.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)

This stretch of trunk road was automatically restricted last year, when street lighting was installed. In accordance with usual practice in such cases, in order to provide an opportunity for opinion to be expressed on the issue, I gave formal notice, by advertisement, of an intention to derestrict. I have now considered the matter and have decided that the restriction shall continue for the time being.

Mr. Ross

Is the Minister aware that his decision will give pleasure to those who have been very much enraged by what seemed to be his cavalier dismissal of the original suggestions made to him about the nonsensical nature of the first proposal?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

There has been no cavalier rejection of anything. It is normal practice, when restriction results automatically from the introduction of street lighting, to consider whether it should follow or whether the decision should be reversed.

Mr. Ross

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the Ayr County Council gave a detailed reply to the original suggestion of his, it received no answer at all. In fact, all it received was the draft regulation.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am sure that there was no intentional discourtesy; perhaps the hon. Gentleman will take that from me.