HC Deb 12 February 1964 vol 689 c348
8. Commander Kerans

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he intends to improve road communications for The Hartlepools in a westerly direction.

Mr. Galbraith

The special additional roads programme for the North-East announced in the Government's White Paper last November includes improvement of the A.689 which links The Hartlepools with the A.19 and Tees-side, and improvement of communications between Tees-side and Darlington.

Our divisional road engineer is discussing with the Durham County Council a working programme for the carrying out of improvement schemes. We would hope that a start on this could be made in a year or two.

Commander Kerans

Will not my hon. Friend agree that proper communications from the Hartlepools to the A.1 are absolutely vital in order to attract industry to the area? So far we have had many Government promises, but very little progress is visible on the spot. Will he do his best to improve the situation right now and not in years ahead?

Mr. Galbraith

As I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend appreciates, it is not possible to start everything everywhere right now.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, during the last seven years, I have constantly raised the question of the improvement of the A.19 and that on several occasions the Minister has promised to go ahead with it? Now we are told that it is to be started in a year or two. Is that reasonable?

Mr. Galbraith

I think it most reasonable.