§ 48. Sir R. Russellasked the Minister of Transport when the dualling of the Hertfordshire sections of A.1 between South Mimms and Hatfield, and Hatfield and the southern end of the Stevenage bypass is to be started; and when he expects the work to be completed.
§ Mr. SwinglerWe have just authorised the letting of a contract for the construction of a 2-mile stretch of dual carriageway on the A.1 at Stanborough, north of Hatfield. This work should be completed in about two years' time. We hope to include schemes for the dualling of the A.1 from "The Comet" to the South Mimms by-pass, and from the northern end of Stanborough By-pass to "The Clock", Welwyn, in an early extension of the trunk road programme.
§ Sir R. RussellIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this is about the only substantial stretch of the A.1 between London and the other side of Darlington which does not have a dual carriageway? Will he do his utmost to expedite the work and close this gap in an otherwise excellent road?
§ Mr. SwinglerYes, Sir. We want to speed this work as much as possible.