HC Deb 04 November 1959 vol 612 cc1020-1
24. Mr. D. Price

asked the Minister of Transport when work will start on the proposed flyover at the Totton-Redbridge junction where A.35 and A.36 join.

Mr. Hay

I regret that I cannot yet forecast exactly when this scheme will be started.

Mr. Price

Is my hon. Friend aware that the hon. Member for Eastleigh has raised this question every year for the last five years and each time has got a thoroughly unsatisfactory reply? Further, is he aware that, in utter despair, the hon. Member for Eastleigh offers a prize to any Ministry engineer who can design a more dangerous junction than the one we now have at this point?

Mr. Hay

I will see that my hon. Friend's offer is passed round the Department. All I can say is that we realise that this is an extremely dangerous junction, but I am afraid that a further study of traffic movements, so I am advised, is necessary before we can get a properly satisfactory design for the flyover which will replace it. When we have done that, we have to find a place for it in the programme of major road works. I can only say that I have come quite new to this study, but I will certainly do what I can to expedite a decision.

Dr. King

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is one of the most difficult and dangerous junctions in Hampshire, and that the county council is desperately anxious to get on with the job once his experts have decided on the best form of flyover?