HC Deb 05 June 1957 vol 571 cc1241-2
37. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the need for both an inner and outer ring road round Manchester, with fly-overs or underpasses, where they cross the principal radial roads leading from the centre of the city; and what plans have been submitted to him by the local authority for the construction of such roads.

Mr. Nugent

Proposals for ring roads round Manchester are included in the development plans of the several local authorities concerned. My right hon. Friend has also confirmed the Lancashire County Council's special road scheme for the part of the outer ring between Stretford and Eccles. We have already made a grant of nearly £2½ million towards the construction of this part, the plans for which provide for fly-overs or underpasses at junctions.

Mr. Johnson

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is not much sign of these plans being put into effect? Unless something is done very soon to keep through traffic out of the centre of Manchester, the whole of the traffic in the city will come to a standstill.

Mr. Nugent

I know that there is a serious traffic problem there, but I think that my hon. Friend will see considerable progress with that scheme in the course of coming months.

Mr. W. R. Williams

The hon. Gentleman referred to the outer ring road but not to the inner ring road, which is quite as important. Has he anything to say about that?

Mr. Nugent

I am afraid I am not able to announce any immediate scheme dealing with the inner ring road.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the new road proposed between Stretford and Eccles deals with one of the most urgent questions in the country? If so, may I ask him whether it is the intention of the Ministry to give it super-priority?

Mr. Nugent

Yes, it is indeed. We have already made a grant towards the first part of it, and I hope that it will not be long before we go on with the second part.