§ 39. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Transport when Orders under Section 7 of the Highways Act, 1959, will be made regarding the North Orbital Road; and when it is proposed to construct it.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettBetween the Dartford/Purfleet Tunnel and A.13 the road is already being constructed and will shortly be completed. For the stretch between A.13 and A.11, my right hon. Friend hopes to publish a draft Section 7 Order in about a year's time. I am not yet able to say when the work will begin. For the remainder of the North Orbital Road, except between Hatfield and Watford, planning is at an early stage and I cannot say when draft Section 7 Orders are likely to be published. Between Hatfield and Watford, where the line of the North Orbital road follows existing roads, the route is being improved as opportunity offers.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that if the completion of this road could be prosecuted more vigorously and more rapidly, a good deal of expenditure on minor road improvements in the neighbourhood of Kelvedon Hatch and other parts of my constituency might be rendered unnecessary? Will he please give this work high priority in the national interest as well as that of my constituents?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettWe will certainly get on with it as fast as we can.