HC Deb 10 March 1969 vol 779 cc958-9
10. Mr. Peter M. Jackson

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to be in a position to make an announcement on the proposed by-pass at Chapel-en-le-Frith in the county of Derbyshire.

Mr. Bob Brown

This by-pass is of relatively low priority and I regret that I cannot say when we are likely to be able to accept it for preparation.

Mr. Jackson

I suggest that that is a highly unsatisfactory reply; therefore, may I draw three factors to my hon. Friend's attention? First, but for the Second World War this by-pass would have been built by 1939. Secondly, road traffic is increasing at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum. Thirdly, in the last six months five fatalities have occurred on this stretch of the road. Should not my hon. Friend reconsider the question of making this road a low priority?

Mr. Brown

I expected that my hon. Friend would not be satisfied with that Answer, but the scheme, together with many others throughout the country, has been fully examined and fully considered. As to priority on a national basis, this scheme has to take its place in the pool.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that it seems that Derbyshire is far behind in the queue for road improvements and by-passes? Will he look again at the priorities he gives for various schemes of this kind? The schemes cannot wait until accidents occur at this point and many others in Derbyshire. They are absolutely necessary.

Mr. Brown

I do not accept that Derbyshire is not receiving equal treatment with other counties. Clearly we have to think in terms of the best return on the finance, and in this case we should not get it.

Mr. Jackson

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.