§ 28. Mr. Armstrongasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the inadequacy of the roads between Gate House on the A.68 and the cement works at Eastgate; what action he will take to improve them; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe B.6293 is a class II road for which the Durham County Council is the highway authority. Major improvements at Bradley Bridge and the eastern end of Frosterley have recently been completed. The extension of the latter work from Frosterley to Willow Green is to start shortly. Other improvements are to be carried out progressively.
§ Mr. ArmstrongIs my hon. Friend aware that the cement factory at Eastgate is to come into operation next month and that I was given to understand during my visit there last week that 38 heavy lorries will be travelling continuously from the cement works to various parts of north-east England? Is my hon. Friend aware that this will make the road completely inadequate, and will he give urgent consideration to this problem?
§ Mr. SwinglerYes, Sir. I am aware that my hon. Friend drew our attention to this matter some time ago. Continuous consultations have been going on about it. I agree that more work may be needed and I am sure that my hon. Friend will have noticed that quite a lot of work is developing in Durham by way of road improvements.