HC Deb 06 March 1963 vol 673 cc382-3
20. Mr. Allason

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the accidents and congestion in Berkhamsted, he will give a higher priority to the construction of the Berkhamsted by-pass.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

No, Sir. There are many other schemes whose claims for inclusion in the road programme are greater.

Mr. Allason

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that that reply will give great disappointment to many people who have to cross this very dangerous road, and that it is a very long road, probably the longest street in any town in England, with traffic continually going through it? My hon. and gallant Friend is aware of the great congestion there. Will he give me an undertaking that, if the town itself manages to make its own arrangements to clear up the congestion, it will not then be put even lower down the list of priorities for by-passes?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

I think it depends exactly on what the arrangements are. I do not see why that should follow. The proposed by-pass forms part of a comprehensive improvement of the A.41 road which includes by-passes at Watford, King's Langley, Hemel Hempstead and Tring, and it does seem that these latter places which are closer to London are more urgent to deal with.