§ 41. Sir E. Leatherasked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to expedite the construction of the Keynsham by-pass in north Somerset.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettAs my hon. Friend knows, we are hoping to let the contract for this scheme shortly.
Two years are being allowed for completion, w lich I regard as reasonable and in accordance with sound engineering practice.
§ Sir E. LeatherI am sorry, but this is most unsatisfactory. Is not my hon. and gallant Friend aware that, if the Minister were sitting anywhere but in the place he occupies, he would be the first to scoff at this ridiculously leisurely programme for something which is urgently needed? Will my hon. and gallant Friend tell him to take the advice given by a more eminent person than myself and take his right hon. finger out?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI have studied the correspondence between my right hon. Friend and my hon. Friend on this matter and we think that my hon. Friend under-estimates the difficulties. The scheme will entail the construction of a pedestrian underpass, four bridges, three under and one over, of 150 ft., and an exceptional amount of rock excavation. It will also include the construction of a long embankment which must be left for a considerable time for settlement to take place before the carriageway can be laid.