§ 32. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Transport on what day he proposes to accompany the hon. Member for Tynemouth to view the congestion on the A.1 road between Darlington and Leeming Bar.
§ Mr. MarplesI regret that I must decline this very kind invitation. No doubt my hon. Friend will be aware of the schemes for the improvement of A.1 in this area. A by-pass of Leeming Bar is under construction; there are now 11 miles of dual carriageway extending northwards on A.1 from Leeming Bar to south of Barton, and it is proposed to build a by-pass of Darlington from this point to link up with the Durham motorway.
§ Dame Irene WardIs my right hon. Friend aware that this is really not included in any stable programme at the moment? Does he appreciate that I thought it would be most delightful if, before either of us died, he took this trip to see the difference in the part which runs through Leeming Bar and north of that to Barton, and will he consider what a wonderful thing it would be if he and I could coast down this road and see the difference between the congestion there and the dual carriageways so that, out of that, we might have a decision as to when that very satisfactory new arrangement would be put into operation and the money be forthcoming?
§ Mr. MarplesNothing could be more agreeable than to coast with my hon. Friend. Although I declined her invitation to go to this particular spot, I invite her to come to see me in my room when we can discuss the matter in greater detail.