§ 11. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, although traffic has doubled on the M.1 and A.5 roads in Buckinghamshire, accidents have been reduced by 49 in one year; whether, in view of this and similar circumstances on other parts of these roads, he will press forward with the construction of the Leicestershire portion of the M.1 road; and if he will make a statement on progress relating to that portion of the M.1 road.
§ Mr. HayI agree with the hon. Member about the value of M.1 in reducing 1451 accidents. Although the five major projects must continue to have priority, we are making progress with the statutory procedures for the next sections of M.1. The Side Roads Order for the section in Northamptonshire was published on 28th April, and for the Leicestershire section on 26th May, 1961. Orders for the remaining sections will be published as soon as possible.
§ Sir B. JannerWhat does the hon. Gentleman mean by "as soon as possible"? Is he aware that for the last seven years he or his predecessors have been pressed to get this road made and that at least £1 million a year have been lost as a result of it not having been made? What on earth is the hon. Gentleman delaying about now? Why does he not press ahead as quickly as he possibly can and get the road completed? Has he not the vision to understand what is necessary?
§ Mr. HayI have lost count of the number of times I have told the hon. Member that we cannot proceed in this matter any faster than the statutory processes laid down by Parliament will allow us. That is what we are doing, and we shall press on with that.