HC Deb 01 February 1956 vol 548 cc895-6
28. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what up-to-date technical information he has as to the extent to which the cost of building the new highways envisaged in his programme could be reduced if the construction could be carried out in a rapid and comprehensive manner instead of in piecemeal fashion necessary under the present system; and whether he will arrange with the Road Research Laboratory to make a report on this subject at an early date.

Mr. Watkinson

Once a scheme for a new road has been authorised the work is carried out as rapidly as possible in accordance with the best modern practice. It is true that certain improvements are authorised in sections, according to their priority in relation to that of schemes elsewhere, but that is necessary and reasonable.

Mr. Janner

Would the Minister agree with me that traffic is increasing very much more rapidly than the provision of roads to accommodate it? Does he not think there ought to be some radical change in our approach to this matter?

Mr. Watkinson

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that we certainly have to do more to keep traffic flowing. As to the details of the particular plan, I cannot answer in this Question.