HC Deb 26 March 1958 vol 585 cc413-4
41. Mr. Ronald Bell

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why he has referred to the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee for their consideration a proposal to impose a speed limit of 40 miles-per-hour on the stretch of trunk road A.40 which runs past Northolt.

Mr. Nugent

This proposal was made to us by the Uxbridge Borough Council. In accordance with the usual procedure in such cases, I propose to seek the advice of the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, and my intention to do so was recently advertised, in order to give objectors the opportunity to make their case.

Mr. Bell

Does my hon. Friend know that this is one of the safest stretches of road in the country, that it consists of about two miles of straight double-track dual carriageway, with no access from either side and no houses, and that if he or his right hon. Friend puts a 40 m.p.h. speed limit on this stretch of road, then he must from the start impose a 40 m.p.h. speed limit on all the new motorways which are to be constructed?

Mr. Nugent

No, Sir. I have said that this is a proposal by the Uxbridge Borough Council, which will now be considered by the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee. I do not doubt that the Committee will take into account the comments of my hon. Friend.

Sir P. Agnew

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that this is only an advisory committee and that it rests with his right hon. Friend the Minister subsequently to reach common-sense decisions?

Mr. Nugent

Yes, Sir, the Committee gives us good advice, but we shall certainly take a common-sense decision after receiving it.

42. Mr. Ronald Bell

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how much it would cost to complete the dual carriageway on that part of A.40 which runs over the Middlesex-Buckinghamshire boundary where work was suspended on the outbreak of war; and when he proposes to restart that work.

Mr. Watkinson

About £.250,000. I am considering the possibility of including this project in my programme, but I cannot yet give any date.

Mr. Bell

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that if his object is to stop accidents, he will stop far more by completing this bit of dual carriageway, as this place is really dangerous, than by imposing a 40 m.p.h. speed limit on perfectly safe stretches of road?

Mr. Watkinson

Perhaps my hon. Friend will bear in mind that we are now engaged in the largest road programme this country has ever had, and I shall endeavour to extend it when I can.