§ 15. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that of 102 road schemes listed by him on 30th May, 11 July and 31st October, 1956, for commencement at some specific date, no less than thirty-seven have not been started according to schedule: and whether he will undertake an intensive review of the causes which lead to these delays, with a view to their removal.
§ Mr. WatkinsonWhile I accept that some schemes have not started exactly on schedule for the reason that I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackley (Mr. E. Johnson) on 10th April, I do not agree that the figures quoted in the Question correctly reflect the present position.
§ Mr. JannerIf not thirty-seven, how many are there? What does the Minister propose to do to expedite action? As he knows, the position is very serious.
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes, but the facts of the case, as I and my predecessors have explained, are that we are faced with a very difficult position. We either have to give full rein to the views of local authorities, private interests and all the other people concerned, in which case we may find that we do not always keep up to schedule, or we must overrule those people and not give them a fair chance to put their case. I have said, quite plainly, that I am not prepared to accept the second course.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that this procedure 383 is as speedy as it could be? Would he undertake to review the whole process of procedure and see whether it cannot be speeded up?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI have already dealt with this matter twice. I am satisfied that we have already made a slight improvement, and we cannot do any more unless we are to override the rights of individuals.