HC Deb 25 March 1959 vol 602 cc1311-2
21. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when he proposes to make a decision with regard to the commencement of work on the portion of the London-Yorkshire motorway in Leicestershire in view of his recent visit to Leicester.

Mr. Watkinson

As soon as the necessary statutory preliminaries have been completed.

Mr. Janner

Does the Minister realise the considerable number of people in Leicestershire, and especially in Leicester, who think that all the delay is due to the fact that the Minister is peeved—and, if I may say so, he is not entitled to be peeved—about the refusal to accept the first road? When does he expect the work on this road to be commenced? Has he accepted it?

Mr. Watkinson

As usual, the hon. Gentleman has his facts wrong. Neither I nor my Ministry is peeved about this. The delay is due to the local opposition, probably quite justified, to the two previous lines of this road.

Mr. Osborne

In view of the fact that the road will pass near my home in Leicestershire, will my right hon. Friend give an undertaking to the local inhabitants that work in the Charnwood Forest area will be carried out with the least possible disturbance to the amenities of the forest, so that the local residents can enjoy them?

Mr. Watkinson

That seems to be a good answer to the previous question.

Mr. Janner

In view of the very unsatisfactory reply I have received, propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early opportunity.

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