§ 35. Colonel Beamishasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation for how long there has been single-line one-way traffic in the neighbourhood of Blindley Heath on the A.22 road, which is the main road from London to many parts of East Sussex; what work has been accomplished during this period; what has been the average number of men employed and the average number of hours worked per week; why this work has taken so long; when it will be finished; and whether he is aware of the great inconvenience regularly caused and the traffic jams at busy times.
§ Mr. NugentI am aware of the traffic conditions on this road, but if improvements are to be made some temporary inconvenience must be accepted. The Surrey County Council, which is the highway authority for the road, has done 1287 all it can in the matter and I am glad to say that the road will be open for two-way traffic over the Whitsun holiday and the work will be completed next month.
§ Colonel BeamishMy hon. Friend has not answered any of my questions. Is he aware that this work has taken a fantastic length of time and caused quite unnecessary inconvenience? Does he know that it has been going on for many months and that whenever one passes the spot nothing seems to be happening? Has his right hon. Friend any power to insist on work of this kind being stopped when the highway is being obstructed unnecessarily as it has been?
§ Mr. NugentMy hon. and gallant Friend has overlooked one point in my answer. The Surrey County Council is the highway authority and I am not responsible.