§ 7. Mr. Goodhewasked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to commence work on the Wheathampstead bypass in the St. Albans constituency.
§ Mr. SwinglerThis scheme has not found a place in the classified road programme. I understand that Hertfordshire County Council, as highway authority, intends to examine the possibility of a better route. It is too soon to say when construction could begin.
§ Mr. GoodhewIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that this road should obviously have been built before the B.653 was widened and improved, which has resulted in a large increase in the amount of fast and heavy traffic through the village of Wheathampstead? Will he arrange with his officials to consult with the Hertfordshire County Council to see whether this whole matter can be reconsidered?
§ Mr. SwinglerThere have been consultations and we are aware of the need here, but this scheme is not ranked very high on the priority list of the Hertfordshire County Council. We shall continue to consult it and there is no question that something will have to be done, but, at the moment, this is not considered a high priority scheme.