§ 22. Mr. Critchleyasked the Minister of Transport what progress is being made with the improvements to High Street, Strood, which have been delayed owing to the widening of the railway bridge.
§ Mr. HayI have written to my hon. Friend explaining the position. The extension of the widening through the railway bridge will be put in hand as soon as possible. Negotiations between the authorities concerned are proceeding, and preparatory work is not being held up.
§ Mr. CritchleyI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware how very eagerly everyone in Rochester and Strood await the end of this road scheme? 1322 Will he urge the railway authorities to proceed with all the speed they can and finish their share of this scheme?
§ Mr. HayYes. The problem does not really arise in respect of the railways. We are now awaiting formal agreement with the B.T.C.—this is in hand—and an agreement with the Rochester Council to act as the agent authority, because normally the agent would be the Kent County Council.