§ 39. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation to shorten the period for making and considering objections to schemes for the construction of new roads and motorways.
§ Mr. HayI do not think a shortening of the objection period would be justified in present circumstances.
§ Mr. JohnsonWhile recognising the need to safeguard the rights of the individual, but bearing in mind the figures my hon. Friend gave me a few moments ago about motorway casualties, may I ask if he agrees that anything which can be done to shorten the preliminary procedure may have an important effect on saving life?
§ Mr. HayYes, Sir. We are most anxious to see what we can do to shorten the preliminary proceedings to the building of motorways, but I must emphasise that the statutory period 442 allowed for making objections to draft schemes is only three months. I do not regard that as excessive when roads may stretch over a great many miles and a large number of people may be affected.