HC Deb 08 March 1967 vol 742 c1512
13. Mr. Awdry

asked the Minister of Transport when she now considers that construction work on the M4 from Tormarton to Liddington will start.

Mr. Swingler

Until completion of the statutory procedures which necessarily precede the start of construction I cannot forecast a firm date. However, we expect the whole motorway to be in use by 1971, and this would require construction to begin in 1969 at the latest.

Mr. Awdry

Is the Minister aware that now that the Severn Bridge is open there is the most appalling traffic congestion on many Wiltshire roads, particularly in the Malmesbury area? Would he and his right hon. Friend do everything they can to alleviate this problem?

Mr. Swingler

I appreciate the difficulties which occur as the motorway goes forward in the Chippenham and Malmesbury areas. The hon. Gentleman may know that we have now published the Side Road Orders for the Gloucestershire and West Wiltshire section, and before the end of this month we shall publish the Side Road Orders for the East Wiltshire section. We have to have an objection period—some of the hon. Gentle. man's constituents are involved in making objections. We will deal with these as rapidly as possible so as to get the earliest construction date.