HC Deb 26 July 1955 vol 544 cc974-5
4. Mr. Maddan

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he is taking as a result of representations from the Stevenage Development Corporation to co-ordinate the building of the new town houses and factories with the construction of the Stevenage by-pass which is an integral part of the new town plan.

Mr. Sandys

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation is being kept fully informed of the programme of development at Stevenage and of the importance attached by residents and local authorities to the construction of the by-pass as soon as practicable.

Mr. Maddan

Does the Minister agree that he has a very special responsibility in this matter since, by building a new town without the by-pass which was on the original plan, he has, in fact, created a danger black spot on the Great North Road?

Mr. Sandys

I have a very special responsibility for quite a lot of things. I have fully accepted the necessity for this by-pass, but, like most of the road construction problems, it is largely a matter of priorities. As far as the black spot is concerned, my hon. Friend knows that various road safety measures have already been taken or are being taken. These include the construction of a subway for cyclists and pedestrians under the Great North Road, and also the installation of traffic lights and controls.