HC Deb 13 November 1957 vol 577 c935
10. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in view of the fact that the proposed new motorway to the Channel ports is intended to consist primarily of the Medway Towns bypass, which is to be a motorway 25 miles long, what other plans are contemplated to make A.2 between London and Dover into a motorway; and whether it is intended that after the construction of the Medway by-pass the A.2 route should provide better facilities for road traffic between London and Dover than A.20.

Mr. Watkinson

A number of other improvements are in progress on A.2, or will start soon. This work will not be at the expense of A.20, where major improvements are also being effected.

Mr. Janner

Cannot the Minister provide a much more satisfactory explanation of the reason why this great motorway, to which he referred with such élan and publicity at the Conservative gathering, has dwindled down to a mere routine job of two by-passes?

Mr. Watkinson

That is nonsense. As the hon. Gentleman's party made no progress on the road programme at all, it does not lie with him to criticise me when I am making some.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Does the Minister really suggest that present conditions for road-making are similar to those that existed in this country a few years after the war?

Mr. Watkinson

I say again that the party opposite made no progress on the road programme at all, and I am making a great deal.

Mr. Janner

In view of the unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.