§ 35. Mr. Montgomeryasked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to make a start on the scheme for a second carriageway on the Newcastle-Tynemouth coast road.
§ Mr. MarplesThe Newcastle City Council has been told that I am prepared to consider an application for grant in the current financial year for the improvement of the section of the Coast Road within the city. Until that application has been received and considered and the necessary land acquired I cannot say when physical work will begin.
§ Mr. MontgomeryDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that work was expected to start last October on this road? According to information I have been given, all the plans are with the Ministry, however, and until it has approved the designs, no work can begin. Does not my right hon. Friend also agree that this is one of the worst roads in the country for accidents and that the sooner something is done to improve it, the better?
§ Mr. MarplesI agree. But I cannot do anything until the application has been received. Once it has been received, I will move as fast as I can.