HC Deb 22 July 1959 vol 609 c1270
44. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what date has been fixed for work to proceed on the proposed Stanway by-pass on the London—Colchester north-east Essex road.

Mr. Nugent

No date has yet been fixed, but essential preparatory work is proceeding.

Mr. Ridsdale

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is urgently necessary to press on with this project as soon as possible? Can he, or a representative from his Ministry, come to examine the position on the approaching Bank Holiday, as there is a feeling locally that his Ministry is not aware of the urgency of pressing on with this project as quickly as possible?

Mr. Nugent

We know that this project is urgent. Indeed, we have already done a good deal on this road, but I am afraid that work on this particular part of it will have to take its turn.

Mr. B. Harrison

May I reinforce the representations which have been made—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—and may I ask my hon. Friend to pay double attention to what has been said by my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich (Mr. Ridsdale)? I have a vested interest in this section of the road in that my farm office is twelve feet from it, and may I ask my hon. Friend whether he appreciates that, unless something is done urgently, there will be a by-election at Maldon and there will be a number of other accidents on this part of the road?

Mr. Nugent

I take note of my hon. Friend's supplementary question.