HC Deb 30 March 1955 vol 539 cc360-1
14. Mr. Braise

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether a decision has yet been reached by his Department concerning the alignment or diversion of A13 where it passes through Basildon.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No application in respect of this diversion has been made to me by the Essex County Council, the highway authority concerned. I understand that discussions are taking place between it and the Basildon Development Corporation and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government.

Mr. Braine

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that both the highway authority —the Essex County Council—and the development corporation are agreed that this diversion should be proceeded with, on grounds both of economy and good planning? Will he, therefore, look into this matter to see whether some decision can be arrived at at a fairly early date?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think that my hon. Friend is right in saying that both the bodies concerned would like to see this road built, but there are a good many points which are not yet settled between them.