HC Deb 25 March 1959 vol 602 cc1314-5
34. Mr. Gurden

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will now announce the date when he will authorise the scheme for the second part of the Birmingham Inner Ring Road.

Mr. Watkinson

My Department informed the Birmingham Corporation yesterday of my approval of their scheme to provide dual 30-foot carriageways between Upper Priory and the junction of Snow Hill with Great Charles Street, and the grant to them of up to £791,000 towards the cost, which is estimated at over £1 million. The completion of this part will provide a workable inner ring road system.

Mr. Gurden

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that excellent news, may I ask him when he expects the work to be started and how long it will take to complete? Further, can he say whether the first part of the inner ring road is up to schedule?

Mr. Watkinson

The first part is on schedule, so far as I know. This is, of course, a matter for the Birmingham authorities and not for my Ministry. My job and the responsibility of the Government in this case is to provide £791,000, of which we notified Birmingham yesterday.