HC Deb 27 June 1962 vol 661 cc1134-5
11. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Transport when the work of widening Archway Road, Highgate, and of reconstructing the junction at Archway Station is expected to begin; and what is the estimated cost of each scheme.

Mr. Hay

We were not able to include the widening of Archway Road in the trunk road programme which was announced in February last. But we will press ahead with the necessary preparatory work so that the scheme, which is estimated to cost £1.2 million, can be included in the programme at the earliest practicable date.

I understand that the L.C.C. proposes to co-ordinate its £1 million scheme for reconstructing the Archway junction with the trunk road works.

Mr. Robinson:

Will the hon. Gentleman think again, since the Minister and everyone else agree that the widening of this road is the only suitable way of getting heavy traffic to and from M.1? Will he get the Minister to abandon his quite ludicrous alternative proposal as a temporary measure to force 10,000 lorries a day through Highgate Village, a scheme which has been condemned already by the five local authorities concerned?

Mr. Hay

The second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is the subject of another Question on the Order Paper, and I had better not anticipate my right hon. Friend's reply to it. On this Question, we must get on with the preparatory work before we can put the scheme into the programme. That is exactly what we are doing.