HC Deb 10 March 1965 vol 708 cc386-7
5. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement about the new trunk road between the A.1 and Hull.

75. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has made a decision regarding the construction of a trunk road between Hull and the Great North Road; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Swingler

I would refer the hon. Member and my hon. Friend to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to them and to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston-upon-Hull, North (Mr. Solomons) on 3rd March.

Mr. Wall

Will the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that the proposed improvement in the east-west communications and the Humber Bridge project are not two alternatives but are complementary one to the other and that the whole development of the area depends on better communications, both east and west and across the Humber Bridge north and south?

Mr. Swingler

We appreciate that these matters are inter-related and that is why my right hon. Friend is shortly to receive representatives of the Humber Bridge Board in order to discuss their proposals with them.

Mr. Johnson

Is my hon. Friend aware that Hull has become the third port in the United Kingdom and the biggest fishing port in the world despite having these bad communications? Will he help to overcome what the citizens of Hull regard as comparative isolation?

Mr. Swingler

I congratulate Hull on its progress. I am not aware of its comparative isolation. Quite a number of road schemes are in hand in this part of the world. But we recognise the major issue which is raised and not only is my right hon. Friend receiving representatives of the Humber Bridge Board very shortly, but my noble Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary is visiting Hull to get views on the spot early next month.

Sir C. Osborne

Will the hon. Gentleman look at all the Humber ports as a whole, both north and south of the river, and make a decision in view of the needs of both north and south banks?

Mr. Swingler

Of course.