HC Deb 19 April 1961 vol 638 cc1144-5
16. Mr. Leather

asked the Minister of Transport when he intends to order work to start on the Long Ashton bypass road in Somerset.

Mr. Hay

I cannot at present say when this scheme could be authorised.

Mr. Leather

I assure my hon. Friend that I am well aware of the many complexities of the matter, but is he aware that the continuous argument and "argybargy" about this badly needed by-pass has been going on now for about thirty years? Will he consider putting all those concerned, including his own Ministry, in one room, locking the door, and refusing to let them out until they make up their minds?

Mr. Hay

I doubt that that sort of solution would be as effective as my hon. Friend thinks. As he says, we have for many years recognised the need for a by-pass. A line appears in the Somerset county development plan as a trunk road scheme forming part of the Bristol outer by-pass, which is a motorway project. We are now discussing with the Somerset County Council and the other local authorities possible lines for the route of this motorway. We shall press on and try to reach a decision as soon as we can.