§ 24. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Transport, in view of the opposition in Louth to the suggested wide highway through the town, if he will consult the local planning authority with a view to its producing its own scheme for immediate consideration as an alternative project; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayOur engineers have already had consultations with the county planning officer, who is at present preparing a draft town map for submission to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government. The planning of the future road system in Louth must be considered as a whole. Until we know the views of the Lindsey County Council we cannot decide what to do about the improvement of the trunk road.
§ Sir C. OsborneWill my hon. Friend do his utmost to expedite these consultations, which have been going on for about three years? Secondly, is he aware that nobody locally wants this main highway through this ancient borough and that the local trustee savings bank— which, 'incidentally, is about the oldest in the country— cannot modernise its property because this trunk road, which nobody wants, will go right through its premises? Will he not say that this stupid scheme will be abandoned?
§ Mr. HayWe will certainly do all that we can to expedite the consideration of this matter, but I think that we should have these further consulations before we make a decision.
§ Mr. SnowHas the hon. Gentleman noticed from the contributions made this afternoon by his hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne) and his right hon. Friend the Member for Reigate (Sir J. Vaughan-Morgan) that consultation between his Ministry and the county planning authority is not always enough, and that the viewpoint of the local authority has been somewhat neglected in many cases, one of which I hope to bring to his attention this afternoon?
§ Mr. HayWhen we get to the Question of the hon. Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Snow), I will answer it, and I think that he will then feel satisfied that we have adequately consulted.
§ Sir C. OsborneIt is not a question of consultation not being enough, but of its not always being quick enough. Will my hon. Friend get something done quickly?