HC Deb 22 March 1961 vol 637 cc375-6
23. Mr. Hilton

asked the Minister of Transport when he will announce his next list of priorities in important road projects.

Mr. Marples

I shall be informing local authorities within a week or so of the classified road improvement schemes which I can accept for grant within the next three years.

Mr. Hilton

I take it from the Minister's Answer that the list has not yet been prepared. While appreciating the special problem of London and other big towns and cities, may I ask whether in the next few days the Minister will bear in mind Norfolk's problems and especially the urgent need for a by-pass of King's Lynn which, after all, is the main trunk road from Norfolk to the Midlands?

Mr. Marples

I take note of that. Of course, there are hundreds of schemes throughout the country which have to be considered in priority, one being measured against the rest. I will look at the matter.

Mr. Bullard

Will the Minister indicate that he has been urged and even pestered by the hon. Member for King's Lynn for action on the King's Lynn by-pass? As the expectation that this plan will be included in an early stage in his report grows every day as the publication of the document is delayed, will he satisfy public opinion in the area that he will get on with this project very soon?

Mr. Marples

When my hon. Friend the Member for King's Lynn (Mr. Bullard) make representations it is not considered that he is pestering the Ministry. We are always delighted to see him or anybody else. I will take account of all the wishes of my hon. Friend and others. Those we please will not thank us and those we do not please will curse us.