HC Deb 01 July 1969 vol 786 c239
Q7. Mr. Tilney

asked the Prime Minister whether the public statement by the Minister of Transport on 2nd May concerning the question of a public inquiry in relation to the proposed Tarbuck-Queens Drive section of the M62 represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I have been asked to reply.

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Tilney

Much as we all want to see the completion of the South Lancashire motorway, does not the Minister of Transport's statement that the sooner we get the public inquiry out of the way the quicker we can get on with it, imply a somewhat cavalier attitude to public inquiries?

Mr. Jenkins

I think that it implied a desire to proceed urgently with the work of his Ministry. I am sure that that is an attitude that the House in general will commend. I certainly do not take it—and I am sure that it is not the case—that this in any way represented a desire on his part not to take seriously the inquiry, but merely a desire to get moving quickly.

Mr. J. T. Price

Is my right hon. Friend aware that despite criticism to the contary, work on the M62 motorway is proceeding ahead of schedule, and that many of us who are interested in that part of the country are delighted with the progress being made?

Mr. Jenkins

That is very good to hear. My right hon. Friend was anxious to maintain the rate of progress as far as he could, and that is very laudable.