HC Deb 08 May 1968 vol 764 cc414-5
16. Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Transport at what date his Department first held discussions with the Birkenhead County Borough over the proposed Rock Ferry bypass; what subsequent consultations have taken place on the proposal; and what is the present position regarding its completion.

Mr. Bob Brown

A proposal for a Rock Ferry bypass was first put to the Department in March, 1961. Since then we have been consulted about the route of the bypass and about its detailed design. A completion date cannot be forecast until a planning decision has been given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government.

Mr. Brooks

Does my hon. Friend agree that this has dragged on far too long? Has he considered putting a bomb under somebody responsible for the planning process, because this is causing great planning blight and inconvenience to the local authority? Can we be assured that before too long there will be a decision on this long overdue matter?

Mr. Brown

I cannot agree with my hon. Friend. The inclusion of the scheme in the roads programme is without prejudice to the outcome of the statutory processes. This is a matter for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.