§ 32. Mr. Denzil Freethasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will make a statement with regard to the total estimated cost and probable construction date of a by-pass round Andover on A.303.
§ Mr. NugentThe design of the by-pass is not sufficiently advanced to make a firm estimate of its cost, but the figure might approach £1 million. The Hampshire County Council has been authorised as our agent to begin 392 the necessary preparatory work, but I cannot yet say when the construction of the by-pass is likely to start.
§ Mr. FreethWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that with the opening of the improved and more frequent diesel railway service between Andover Junction and Ramsey, the A.303 road becomes blocked more often, as a result of the level crossing being shut more often than was formerly the case, and that, therefore, the construction of a by-pass road round Andover is a much more urgent and pressing problem than it has hitherto been?
§ Mr. NugentMy hon. Friend made that point to me last week. We will bear it in mind. I am told that the more frequent diesel service is quicker in operation, and that, therefore, the stoppages are shorter in time.