HC Deb 29 May 1957 vol 571 cc381-2
13 and 14. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) how many objections have been made to the Doncaster by-pass road; and when these objections are likely to be dealt with;

(2) when the preliminary arrangements for the Doncaster by-pass road will be completed; and when he expects physical work to start.

Mr. Watkinson

Objections to the draft Scheme for the Doncaster by-pass have been received from seven sources. I have considered them all and have decided that the making of the Scheme should proceed. As soon as the Scheme has been made, I shall give a formal invitation to the agent authorities concerned to prepare the necessary detailed land plans, engineering drawings, and contract documents.

Mr. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how far this Scheme is behind the original schedule?

Mr. Watkinson

To my understanding, it is not behind schedule. As I have just told the right hon. Gentleman, we have, in effect, shortened the procedure, because I have overruled some of the objections which have been made.

Mr. Williams

While welcoming what the Minister has just said, may I ask whether he is not aware that the best North-West road in the world will be useless unless and until this by-pass of the bottleneck of Doncaster is ultimately completed?

Mr. Watkinson

I quite agree. I want to by-pass Doncaster just as much as the right hon. Gentleman.

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