HC Deb 29 June 1966 vol 730 c1774
11. Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Minister of Transport when the lighting on the M4 will be extended as far as London Airport.

Mr. Swingler

Early next year.

Sir Clive Bossom

Does the hon. Gentleman remember that as far back as August, 1965, tenders were being sought? Cannot this be speeded up? This is important. It is a vital route, with as many as 20,000 vehicles a day using it to and from the airport. This is a matter of road safety. This road is used by all kinds of vehicles, including taxis. It is also a prestige route. Can we hasten this?

Mr. Swingler

This matter does not go back as far as the hon. Gentleman said, but I admit that there has been some delay owing to technical difficulties in putting up for tender, and now half the firms which were invited to tender have asked for extra time to consider their tenders. We have granted this application, but we will endeavour to speed the matter up as much as we can.