HC Deb 19 July 1961 vol 644 cc1236-7
41. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Transport if he has studied the booklet, "Missing Links 3". of which a copy has been sent to him by the hon. Member for St. Marylebone, describing the places where work on A.6, A.31, A.40 and A.56 is required; and when he intends to begin work in these places.

Mr. Marples

I read this publication with interest, but I regret that I cannot yet say when work on these schemes can start. At present I am concentrating available funds mainly upon the early completion of the five major projects and the most urgent classified road schemes in congested urban areas.

Sir W. Wakefield

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in some of these places the plans and preparations have been ready and the word to start has been awaited for twenty years or more; that the congestion in all these places is dreadful and the rate of accidents severe? Cannot he give particular attention to this matter and do something at an early date to relieve the congestion and reduce the number of accidents?

Mr. Marples

We are doing quite a lot to relieve congestion and to reduce the number of road accidents. But it is much easier to write a pamphlet than to build a road.