HC Deb 03 July 1963 vol 680 cc378-9
59. Sir B. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport, assuming that the statutory procedures laid down by Parliament in connection with road construction are carried out with the minimum of delay, what additional funds will be required to be made available by Parliament to ensure that the 997½ miles of motorway to be completed by the early 1970's will be completed by that date.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

Allowing for the funds already earmarked in the current year for motorways, I estimate very approximately that, on the basis of present day prices and including land, a further £630 million will be needed to complete 1,000 miles of motorway.

Sir B. Janner

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman assure the House that he is prepared to recommend and to see to it that this money is available for this purpose? In view of his promise that these motorways will be completed, will he ensure that if there is a rise in prices the Government will abide by their undertaking and see that these roads are provided?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

I can assure the hon. Member that we shall press forward with this programme as fast as we possibly can, but I am sure that he will appreciate that it is not for me or for any other member of the Government to give a positive assurance about exact expenditure covering many years ahead.

Mr. P. Browne

May we hope that the Government will not neglect the West Country in the construction of any new roads in the next four or five years?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

I can assure my hon. Friend that we shall not neglect the West Country any more than we have neglected it in the past.

Sir B. Janner

Is not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his reply to his hon. Friend was very unsatisfactory and that to me it was even more unsatisfactory? Is he aware that we expect a distinct and clear reply from the Government that the promises which they are now making to the country about the construction of these roads will be fulfilled up to the hilt? Can he say whether they will or not?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

I cannot go beyond what I have said to the hon. Member and I do not think that he would expect me to do so. We shall press forward with the programme as fast as we can, but it is not possible to commit the Government to a specific degree of expenditure over many years ahead.

Mr. P. Browne

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.