Maidstone By-pass

HC Deb 04 December 1963 vol 685 c1129

27. Mr. J. Wells

asked the Minister of Transport if he will expedite the starting date of the westerly continuation of the Maidstone by-pass.

Mr. Galbraith

The planning of this scheme is going ahead as quickly as possible. But we cannot at this stage say when it will be possible to find a place for it in the road programme.

Mr. Wells

Will my hon. Friend give us an assurance that the M.20 westerly continuation will be put in hand substantially before the Channel tunnel begins?

Mr. Galbraith

My right hon. Friend will, naturally, bear that point in mind.

Mr. Marsh

Is the hon. Gentleman suggesting that the Government are discussing the prospect of a Channel tunnel without knowing what they will do about the road which leads to it?

Mr. Galbraith

This is not a Question about the Channel tunnel. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to ask a Question about the Channel tunnel, perhaps he will put it down.