HC Deb 12 July 1967 vol 750 cc808-10
6. Mr. Molloy

asked the Minister of Transport if she is aware of the frustration and annoyance caused to residents of Northolt and Greenford, Middlesex, by the several D Ring Road proposals; what plans she has for liaison between the residents' associations involved, the Greater London Council and her Department; and when she expects a final decision to be made.

Mr. Swingler

A period of uncertainty for those who may be affected is inevitable when new major road schemes are being planned, but we aim to make this period as short as possible.

I hope that consultations with the local authorities concerned will be completed before the end of this year to enable my right hon. Friend to reach a decision early in 1968 on what route is to be preferred.

Mr. Molloy

Does my hon. Friend realise that the very announcement of these proposals has caused many problems, real and probable, for people living in this area? Is he aware that, in the terrible peradventure that two of these proposals might be adopted—particularly that which runs through Northolt—an entire community could be destroyed?

Mr. Swingler

I am well aware of the anxieties which have been caused. Because different proposals have been put forward, none can yet be adopted. There is still quite a process of consultation to be gone through, and several of the boroughs concerned have asked for more time to study the proposals. I very much regret the delay and the blighting caused thereby. We shall expedite the matter as much as possible, and we hope to make a statement before the end of the year.

Mr. A. Royle

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is great concern also about the proposal to run a motorway across Barnes Common, as part of the same D Ring scheme? Will he take steps to ensure, that the uncertainty caused to local residents by the present proposal is removed as soon as possible?

Mr. Swingler

We are consulting about all these things. There were the proposals originally put forward by the Ministry. The Greater London Council has put forward an alternative proposal. We have to consult the London boroughs on the matter. Inevitably, it takes some time, but we shall endeavour to clear the air just as soon as we can.

51. Mr. Berry

asked the Minister of Transport what further consultations she has had with the various authorities and bodies concerned with the proposed D Ring Road; and when she expects to be able to give approval to the buildirg of the road.

Mr. Swingler

My right hon. Friend has informed interested authorities that it is most desirable that she should have their views on the alignment suggested by the Greater London Council not later than 31st October.

She hopes to reach a decision early in 1968 on what route is to be preferred, but it is too early to say when the project will be programmed.

Mr. Berry

Would the hon. Gentleman not agree that the D Ring road is a vital factor in the movement of traffic outside London to the North? Will he use his best offices to expedite this, bearing in mind the great progress which was made by his predecessor but one in the previous administration, my right hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Mr. Marples)?

Mr. Swingler

We regard this as a vital project. The hon. Gentleman will also be aware that there is great controversy and many conflicting views between our consulting engineers, the G.L.C. and several of the London boroughs. My right hon. Friend has asked the boroughs in particular to speed up their consideration and give her their views. We hope that by the end of the year we shall be able to clear up the matter.

Mr. Whitaker

Is my hon. Friend and constituent aware that several of his neighbours are in a similar state of uncertainty about the route of the Inner London Motorway box? Could he say when the date will be announced for the final decision on this?

Mr. Swingler

As my Member of Parliament realises, that was another question. Nevertheless, we have been in correspondence about the matter. We would like to end the uncertainty as rapidly as possible, but, as he will know, it depends on the speed of negotiations with both the Greater London Council and the boroughs.

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