HC Deb 15 November 1967 vol 754 cc436-7
43. Mr. Molloy

asked the Minister of Transport when she anticipates being able to make an announcement regarding the selection of routes that will constitute the D Ring roads of the London areas.

Mr. Swingler

Four schemes which will form part of the D Ring have already been selected for the road programmes, and the section between A13 and A2, including the Dartford Tunnel, is already in use. Priorities for remaining parts of the route will have to be decided in relation to competing claims of other important schemes in London and the surrounding area.

Mr. Molloy

Can my hon. Friend say whether it is possible to make a decision about that portion of the D Ring road that involves Greenford and Northolt without having to wait for the entire proposal to be examined?

Mr. Swingler

My hon. Friend knows that there are five local authorities in that area who have asked for more time to consider it, because they wish to seek the advice of Professor Buchanan, who is to report by the end of the year. We have given them until next February to express their views. I greatly regret the blighting which occurs in the meantime, but it is fair enough that these five London boroughs should be given this opportunity. After that we will consider the scheme as speedily as possible.

Mr. Longden

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that the D Ring road, wherever it ultimately goes, is not instead of but is in addition to the extension of the North Orbital which is so urgently needed in my constituency?

Mr. Swingler

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the sections of these ring roads are being completed as required according to the traffic considerations and other problems. They are not in substitution of one another. It is clear that, because of the volume of traffic, both schemes will be required.