HC Deb 03 July 1956 vol 555 c1142
27. Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider the construction of a by-pass road to reduce the volume of heavy long-distance traffic passing through the ancient Royal Burgh of Lanark with its narrow street junctions.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

My right hon. Friend has carefully considered this suggestion, but he is afraid that having regard to other claims on the roads programme he could not justify the substantial expenditure involved.

Mr. Maitland

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Burgh of Lanark represents quite a serious and cumulative hazard in regard to road safety? Has he had representations about it from the town council? Will he bear the matter in mind?

Mr. Stewart

I will certainly bear the matter in mind. It is a matter of judgment and of one thing compared with another. The long-term programme we have in mind should be the best answer to this problem.

Mr. Strachey

Does not the Joint Under-Secretary at any rate feel that the Government would very much wish to avoid by-elections in these two constituencies in present circumstances?