HC Deb 10 August 1966 vol 733 cc1694-5
26. Mr. Turton

Mr. John Morris

My right hon. Friend has considered the objections raised at the recent public inquiry and the recommendation of the inspector. She has decided not to proceed separately with the eastern section of the by-pass.

Mr. Turton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Conservative Government gave an undertaking that the scheme would be begun in July, 1965? The right hon. Member for Hamilton (Mr. T. Fraser) postponed it for six months. The Joint Parliamentary Secretary, in a Written Answer, stated that he expected a start in August, 1966. Is not this a shameful record of procrastination and muddle?

Mr. Morris

As the right hon. Gentleman is aware—I wrote to him yesterday about this—there was a proposal to complete part of the scheme in anticipation of the whole as a means of alleviating the problem. Following that proposal, a major public inquiry was held and the inspector concluded that this proposal would not meet the problem and that to start on the eastern side of one end of the bypass would aggravate the problem. My right hon. Friend decided to accept the inspector's report and, therefore, at a suitable time to go on with the whole of the scheme rather than tackle part of it.

Mr. Turton

Meanwhile, what is the Ministry doing to relieve the very grave congestion in the town?

Mr. Morris

I know the right hon. Gentleman's interest in this matter over the years. Road improvements at Butcher's Corner in Malton to enable A64 traffic to move in both directions simultaneously will be started shortly. Traffic lights will be installed at the junction and other possible improvements are under consideration. It is this particular spot which causes a great part of the problem, although, of course, another part causes similar difficulties.