HC Deb 06 March 1963 vol 673 c385
26. Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received the observations of the Kent County Council on the alternative proposals for the route of the approach road to the Dartford Tunnel from the south; and when he expects to publish the necessary orders under the Highways Act, 1959.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

Yes, Sir. Our engineers are examining them. Until this study is completed I cannot say when the necessary Orders will be published.

Mr. Irving

Is not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his right hon. Friend's earlier lack of foresight and procrastination already means that much of the benefit from the tunnel will be lost by the congestion which is likely to develop on the southern approach road? Has he put this into a road programme? If not, will he do so? Will he ensure that there is no further waste of time in this matter?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

I could not accept that at all. The fact of the matter is that the agent authority, which is the Kent County Council, considers that the alternative proposals are inferior to its original proposals. Our engineers are now going into the matter, and we have asked the county council for further data.