§ 9. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Transport if he has considered the report, a copy of which has been sent to him, on the cost and delay of the worsening road traffic congestion in and around Trafford Park; what action he is taking to implement the proposals made in the report; and on what date construction will start on the proposed 232 route linking it up with the M.62 and other main roads.
§ Mr. HayThe roads on the Trafford Park industrial estate and those giving immediate access to it are the responsibility of the local highway authorities. It is for them to initiate schemes to improve traffic conditions in this area. No doubt the authors of the report referred to have sent copies to the local highway authorities concerned. We shall consider such schemes as they may wish to submit to us in the ordinary way for grant or approval.
Trafford Park and its environs are within the South-East Lancashire and North-East Cheshire conurbation area for which a committee of the local highway authorities concerned is working out a phased long-term programme of road improvements. We expect to receive its recommendations within the next few months.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithWould I be correct in interpreting that as a very sympathetic reply? If constructive proposals are sent in as early as possible, will they receive consideration in the light of the urgency 379 of this matter and be dealt with in the same appreciative way in which the Minister has answered the Question?
§ Mr. HayWe will always examine with the utmost sympathy any proposals put forward by local highway authorities for the improvement of their roads. I cannot go further than that until we see what the proposals are.