HC Deb 05 December 1962 vol 668 cc1294-5
18. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Transport by what date the M.3 motorway to Basingstoke will be completed.

57. Sir E. Errington

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increasing congestion of traffic on the A.30 highway, he will accelerate the commencement of the M.3 motorway; and if he will state an approximate date for the start of works.

Mr. Marples

I am aware of the congestion on A.30 and, with this in mind, I put in hand a survey of the route for M.3 earlier this year. The complex technical and statutory processes which must follow this will take several years to complete. The place of M.3 in my programme will be fixed when this preliminary work is further advanced.

Mr. Gresham-Cooke

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the A.30 now carries just as much traffic as the A.1, and has a heavy commercial traffic to Southampton? Therefore, does he not think that the M.3 should have a higher priority than roads now being constructed in the Midlands?

Mr. Marples

I will look at the assumption my hon. Friend makes, that the A.30 carries as much traffic as the A.1.