HC Deb 23 November 1966 vol 736 cc1388-9
45. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Transport if she will make a statement about the improvement of east-west communications to the city of Kingston-upon-Hull.

Mr. Swingler

My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to do so soon.

Mr. Wall

Before the Minister makes her statement, would the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that all the local authorities in the East Riding wish to see this new link cross the A1 at Ledsham rather than at Ferrybridge? This is, I believe, the unanimous view of the authorities.

Mr. Swingler

My right hon. Friend and the Minister of Housing and Local Government met the local authorities concerned. Some very complicated suggestions were made, which have taken some time to evaluate. I promise the hon. Gentleman and the House that my right hon. Friend will make a statement very soon, which they will be able to consider.

Mr. James Johnson

Is my right hon. Friend not convinced that the communications in and out of Hull are scandalously inadequate for this the third largest port in the United Kingdom? Is he further aware that there is now talk of closing the Hull-Scarborough line? Will he use his good offices to scotch any rumour of that type at the earliest possible opportunity, since any attempt to close this line would be extremely detrimental?

Mr. Swingler

There is a procedure—although I will look into that point—covering these matters. I recall that my right hon. Friend's predecessor approved an extremely expensive scheme for the improvement of communications in and out of Hull.