§ 38. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Bristol City Council has plans for dealing with the acute traffic problems which exist in the city and for bringing the urban road system up to the standard necessary to meet the increasing traffic; and, in view of the fact that further progress to implement these plans cannot be made without his approval, if he will give an indication of his policy in connection with urban roads generally, and Bristol in particular, and give higher priority to grants for this purpose so that the work can be proceeded with immediately.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettMy right hon. Friend's policy is to help and encourage towns in several ways to meet the growing problem of traffic congestion. These include road improvements, so far as is desirable and also practicable within the funds available. Bristol is doing conspicuously well in the current programme. We are in touch with the city council 375 about its future road plans, but many of them have yet to be submitted as amendments to the development plan. When firm proposals are put to my right hon. Friend he will consider what assistance he can give.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that traffic on our urban roads has thrown up very large difficulties similar to those on country roads, and that it is necessary to spend money on those roads? Is he aware that my authority has prepared plans involving expenditure of £6 million a year but is waiting for the Minister to give his sanction? Will he give priority to schemes for the open roads both in country and in town?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettSchemes at present with a total cost of some £5 million are included in the programme for Bristol between 1961 and 1964. We shall consider any further schemes for grant when they are submitted.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, at this rate, it will be the year 2000 before such roads are ready for traffic?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettThe programme for Bristol has to be spread over some time, and we cannot approve new schemes until we are satisfied that they are justified.