§ 17. Mr. Greyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what attempts are being made to make the Great North Road at Framwellgate Moor, Durham, safer.
§ Mr. MolsonA special propaganda campaign was carried out on this length of road last May, and we are considering whether anything further can be done to make it safer until the proposed by-pass can be constructed.
§ Mr. GreyIs the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware that approximately 10,000 vehicles pass through this area in a day, and that it is a very dangerous area in any case? As a matter of fact, this stretch has become known as the 1725 "Death Mile." While one appreciates that, as a result of petrol rationing, there may be a reduction in the number of vehicles which will pass through the area, may we be assured that the right hon. Gentleman will not make this an excuse to delay any scheme that might be put forward to make this area safe?
§ Mr. MolsonIt was because we did realise that there were a large number of accidents on this stretch of road that we had a "Red Area" scheme carried out in the month of May this year. We can judge of the efficacy of that only when we have the figures of the accidents in the following six months and compare them with the previous six months. As soon as we have those figures, I will write to the hon. Member on the subject.
§ Mr. GreyMay I press the Minister further on that? There may have been some schemes put forward to him. Will he not make of this reduction in traffic resulting from petrol rationing an excuse to delay any scheme that might be put forward?
§ Mr. MolsonWe do not look for excuses for delay in anything at all. I am very glad that, in the case of the designing of the by-pass road, the Durham County Council, of its own volition and without any request from us, is preparing the necessary engineering details in order that there may be no delay when we have the money available for the bypass road. But I must warn the hon. Member that, at the moment, we have not the money available for the new construction.