HC Deb 27 June 1962 vol 661 cc1143-4
31. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received on the subject of the development of the A.19 road in County Durham.

Mr. Marples

From the right hon. Member and from the Middlesbrough County Council and the Peterlee Parish Council.

As I have explained to them, I cannot undertake the improvement of the whole of A.19 between Sunderland and Stockton in the immediate future because of the many other urgent demands on the limited funds at my disposal. Some important schemes on this road are nevertheless programmed for the next few years.

Mr. Shinwell

While appreciating the attention which the right hon. Gentleman is giving to this matter, may I ask him if he is aware of the disappointment experienced by all local authorities in the area, including all the authorities on Tees-side and on the coast of Durham? In view of the effect on industrial development in the area, will he try to expedite further development?

Mr. Marples

I will certainly look at it and keep it under continuous review. If we do have a chance to re-programme, we will look at it again, but I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that this is a question of priorities, and he has already heard earlier in Question Time today from many other hon. Members who have decided and definite opinions on the order of priority in which roads should be built.