HC Deb 21 February 1968 vol 759 cc402-3
5. Mr. Lane

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in planning the northern and western bypasses for Cambridge.

Mr. Carmichael

Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely County Council, as our agent authority, has made preliminary investigations into possible routes for these new roads. They are being considered for inclusion in the trunk road preparation pool.

Mr. Lane

In connection with the northern bypass, would the hon. Gentleman please keep in mind the growth of industrial traffic between the Midlands and the East Coast ports and the need for urgent improvement of better east-west communications not only for Cambridge but for other parts of East Anglia?

Mr. Carmichael

The northern bypass investigations are going on to determine where the line may be acceptable. This has not been completely pursued in detail, but investigations are going on at the present time.

Sir H. Harrison

Could I, as a Member for East Suffolk, stress to the Minister as my hon. Friend has done again the importance of this road to the export trade from the Midlands through to the ports of Harwich and Felixstowe?

Mr. Carmichael

We are aware of this, and this is part of the reason why it is being considered as a candidate for the preparation pool.