HC Deb 26 January 1955 vol 536 cc149-50
43. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will make a statement on the expanded roads programme and name the major new works which are to be undertaken under it.

46. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will make a statement in respect to his road, bridge and tunnel programme.

63. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is now able to make a statement as to the major works which are to be undertaken in connection with the roads improvement programme, indicating which of such works are to be given priority.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I hope to make a statement on the expanded roads programme very soon.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Can we be sure that "very soon" really means within the next few days or weeks, because the Minister promised us a statement shortly before the Christmas Recess and it is now three months since the expanded programme was announced? Does it mean that the length of time this statement has taken will lead to a real roads programme and not just a combination of projects taken ad hoc?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Subject to correction, my recollection is that the original promise was that it would be shortly after the Christmas Recess, but in any event the words "very soon" mean very soon.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that it would be of extreme service to the House if the broad features of the programme could be announced in advance of the debate which is to take place on transport next week, so that the scope and nature of the road proposals could be assessed in relation to the magnificent new proposals of the British Transport Commission for the railways?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I will bear my noble Friend's suggestion in mind.

Mr. Dodds

Can the right hon. Gentleman now, or very soon, give the very important information as to the date at which the work on the Dartford Tunnel will recommence?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will await the statement.