§ 33. Mr. Denzil Freethasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what plans he has far relieving traffic congestion on A.34 through Whitchurch; and the likely dates for the commencement and completion of this work.
§ Mr. NugentOur present programme does not include any trunk road improvement scheme in Whitchurch, but we will keep conditions there under review.
§ Mr. FreethWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that this road, the A.34, bears a great deal of heavy traffic from the Midlands to Southampton; that only recently a shop was completely destroyed by a lorry getting out of control on the very steep hill in the village; and that, therefore, something should be done in the relatively near future, to make plans, at any rate, to relieve traffic on this dangerous part of the A.34 road?
§ Mr. NugentI know the narrow road through the village, but I am afraid that, as the heavy commercial traffic amounts to only 19 per cent., it does not justify a very high priority in the programme.
§ Dr. KingWill the hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that this Question, and Questions No. 32 and No. 34, are only examples of the necessity for a bold, expanded roads programme in Hampshire, about which all hon. Members in Hampshire are united, and about which all the 393 major local authorities in Hampshire are making continuous representations to the Minister?
§ Mr. NugentA deputation of Hampshire hon. Members saw my right hon. Friend recently.