HC Deb 16 February 1955 vol 537 cc367-8
23. Mr. F. Anderson

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the major improvements sanctioned for the county of Cumberland arising from the expanded road programme.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have as yet nothing to add to my statement of 2nd February.

30 and 31. Mr. Peart

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) if he will authorise, during the financial year 1955–56, a road development scheme for west Cumberland; (2) what individual road schemes for west Cumberland he will authorise during 1956–57, 1957–58, and 1958–59,

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have nothing to add at present to my statement of 2nd February, for the reason then given.

Mr. Peart

Will the Minister really give us something more definite? Cumberland feels that it is being neglected. This is a large Development Area, and there is an enormous atomic energy factory. A major road is urgently needed in the area. Will he do something about it?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have well in mind the needs of Cumberland and the facts to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred, but he will realise that there is no part of the country which could not make a similar request.

Mr. Peart

I have stressed that we have an enormous atomic energy factory in the area. Will the Minister bear in mind that he has already cut down the maintenance grant for trunk roads in the county for 1955–56, and as this will cause hardship, will he reconsider his decision?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

There is no question of reconsideration. I have recently asked all highway authorities to submit schemes to me, and I have no doubt that Cumberland will take part in replying to that invitation.

Mr. Vane

May I ask my right hon. Friend to pay attention to the needs of west Cumberland? Not only have we there an important and developing industrial area but one that is virtually cut off from the rest of England. Its access either north or south is a very narrow and circuitous route between sea and hills. The need for this consideration is very pressing.

32. Mr. Peart

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will consult with the Cumberland County Council and the Cumberland Development Council with a view to the authorisation of a comprehensive road programme for west Cumberland.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have already invited the county council to submit its proposals for classified roads and shall consult it, in the normal way, about trunk road schemes. The Cumberland Development Council is, of course, always free to express its views to me or the county council.

Mr. Peart

For the reasons I have given, will the Minister consult them in a special way? There is strong feeling about this matter. We are geographically isolated, and if the area is to develop it must have good road communications.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am well aware of the problems of this area, and I shall be perfectly happy to listen to any recommendations or views that either of the bodies mentioned care to express.