§ 32. Mr. Alportasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is satisfied that the proposed improvement to the trunk road at Gun Hill, near Dedham, will increase its safety; and whether he will consider substituting for this scheme a road by-passing Stratford St. Mary's.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir". The by-pass is an expensive long-term project which is a great deal more than a substitute for the present proposal.
§ Mr. AlportWhat is the estimated cost of the improvement which is now proposed? Is my right hon. Friend aware that the county council which is also interested in this matter is not convinced that the improvement which he intends to undertake will produce the additional safety which is so urgently necessary on this part of the road.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe improvement mentioned in the Question involves the widening and realignment of this road and the addition of footways. I think that it will make some improvement, at a cost of £8,500 compared with £300,000 for the by-pass.