HC Deb 06 May 1964 vol 694 cc1279-80
20. Sir P. Agnew

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects that the discussions now proceeding between his Department and the Worcestershire County Council surveyor as to the route to be followed by the proposed Evesham by-pass will be brought to a conclusion, so that the draft town map of Evesham can be got ready for public inspection.

Mr. Galbraith

As a result of the discussions with Worcestershire County Council, the county surveyor is now making further investigations into the most suitable line for the by-pass. Until we receive his report I am unable to say when a decision will be made.

Sir P. Agnew

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is now nearly a year and a half since the draft town map was shown to the borough council, and that continued delay in passing the proposals backwards and forwards between his Ministry and the Worcestershire County Council is causing grave uncertainty to the traders, developers and general citizens of the Borough of Evesham? Will he expedite this matter, and exercise his power of decision so as to get on with the work and relieve the uncertainty?

Mr. Galbraith

I understand everything that my hon. Friend has said. In my Answer I said that the county surveyor is undertaking further investigations. Until we get the result of these investigations it is impossible to decide what the lines will be. As this will be a very important decision, it is wise to make certain that it is right when we make it.