HC Deb 09 December 1969 vol 793 c215
8. Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the average times between the decisions to build new urban and rural roads and the commencement of their construction.

Mr. Mulley

On average, firm decisions to proceed with a scheme cannot be taken until it has been under preparation for some two to three years. Once a scheme has been accepted into the firm programme, commencement of construction can be expected in about 24 months for both urban and rural roads, subject to the availability of funds at the time.

Sir Clive Bossom

Will the Minister try to speed up the decision-making and the compulsory purchasing starting next year, and also implement some of the recommendations in the Lofthouse Report?

Mr. Mulley

We are anxious to proceed as fast as possible. We have schemes in hand, which means that there will be no delay subject to the total resources available. On the other hand, I must make it clear that I am obliged to go through some long and complicated statutory procedures.