HC Deb 02 February 1955 vol 536 cc1083-4
39. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation on what date work will commence in putting in order the existing plant and equipment connected with the Dartford-Purfleet Tunnel.

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

This work has now begun.

Mr. Dodds

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the information he has just given will be received with much satisfaction over a very wide area of south-eastern England? Will he bear in mind also that a much more important date is the date of completion? Will he do what he can to see that is made available as soon as possible?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am very anxious to get on with the scheme, and I fully share the hon. Member's view of its importance.

Mr. Braine

Can my right hon. Friend give any date for the commencing of work on the tunnel itself?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That must await the putting of the plant and machinery into order, but I hope that that process will be completed before the end of the present calendar year.

Mr. Bottomley

Whilst welcoming the Minister's statement, may I ask whether he is aware that traffic additional to the already excessive amount will have to go through Rochester and Chatham? Has he any encouraging words to say about the Rochester by-pass road?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Not at the moment.

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