§ 33. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Transport what steps he proposes to take to improve the A.19 road between Stockton and Thirsk with a view to reducing the number of traffic accidents and road casualties.
§ 46. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Transport what action he intends taking about road development on the A.19 388 road between Sheraton Road End and Cold Hesledon.
§ Mr. HayWe have no plan for large-scale improvement of the section of the A.19 south of Stockton during the next few years, but we are looking into the possibility of undertaking a number of individual schemes to make the road safer. However, the special addition to the road programme which my right hon. Friend announced yesterday for the North-East includes major improvements of the A.19 at Shotton and Sheraton. We hope to start these in 1963–64. A major improvement at Easington village and a number of other smaller improvements of this length of road are also planned.
§ Mr. TurtonIs my hon. Friend aware that on this 25-mile stretch of road south of Stockton there were 500 casualties last year? Is he aware that if he goes on with the improvement north of Stockton he will be adding to the dangers on the road south of Stockton by bringing faster traffic on to the road? Will he make this road safer or, alternatively, give road users adequate warning of danger spots where at present there are no double white lines or any warnings of danger?
§ Mr. HayOur perennial problem is the allocation of the money we have for road improvement to wherever it will do the most good. In this case all we can do is to carry out a number of useful but comparatively small schemes over the next few years. Regarding the warning about danger spots and the use of white lines and so on, my right hon. Friend has written to the Minister recently on this subject and the Minister is writing fully in reply.
§ Mr. ShinwellDo I understand from the hon. Gentleman that the Ministry is not proposing to proceed with the reconstruction of the road between Sheraton Road End and Cold Hesledon? Is he aware that, apart from the necessity to curb the accident rate on this stretch of road, it is essential to proceed with this development in order to attract industrialists to that part of the country? Is he aware that it is absurd to proceed with the remainder of the road scheme if this bottleneck remains? Surely the Government must do something about it, if only to provide employment?
§ Mr. HayWith respect, I think that the right hon. Gentleman did not see the full details of what my right hon. Friend said yesterday or perhaps he has misunderstood what I have said today. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will be kind enough to study the matter.