Tees-side

HC Deb 25 February 1963 vol 672 cc879-81

10 and 11. Mr. W. T. Rodgers

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, as representing the Lord President of the Council (1) what steps the Lord President is taking to assess the need for a major reconstruction of the road system of the North-East, and especially on Tees-side, in relation to anticipated future industrial development;

(2) what steps the Lord President is taking to assess the need for improved port facilities in the North-East, and especially on Tees-side, in relation to anticipated future industrial development.

12. Commander Kerans

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what are the Lord President's proposals for improving the civil air facilities for Tees-side in order to attract industry to the area, and improve communications generally; and, bearing in mind the high level of unemployment, if he will treat this as a matter of urgency.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

My noble Friend's report to his colleagues on his recent visit to the North-East touched upon all aspects of the region's economy, including roads, port facilities and civil air facilities. Where he requires more detailed information as a basis for assessing the problems of the region, my noble Friend is commissioning it. My noble Friend would be happy to receive any special information the hon. Members may have in their possession.

Mr. Rodgers

Is the hon. Member aware that I have little for which to thank him after such a vague and unsatisfactory reply, which is consistent only so far as it follows the vague and unsatisfactory statements of the Lord President after his visit? Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the Lord President is doing any more than merely investigating minor changes which may be required either in the road system or the port facilities? Is he looking for a radical reconstruction of communications—which would not mean simply tampering with the existing situation—in order to use communications as a means of inducing new industries to come to the area? If this is the intention of the right hon. Gentleman, is he planning with that in mind?

Mr. Freeth

My noble Friend believes particularly—as I said a week ago—that it is essential to have good communications if industry is to be attracted to that region. That means good communications not only between the North-East and London and the Midlands, but within the region itself.

Mr. Montgomery

Can my hon. Friend give us any idea when the road programme for the North-East will be made known to hon. Members? Can he suggest to his noble Friend that one of the great needs in this area is a motorway linking the North-East with the Midlands?

Mr. Freeth

In answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, my noble Friend, in another place, on 19th February, referred to the progress of the M.1 motorway which will finally link the North-East with the Midlands. Any increase in the programme, particularly in major works, will be announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

Mr. Bottomley

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that Tees-side local authorities have drawn up a road programme and have requested the Minister of Transport to receive a deputation? Will the hon. Gentleman ask his noble Friend to expedite the reception of this local representative body?

Mr. Freeth

My noble Friend is most interested in any deputation from the North-East which may wish to see any of his colleagues.