HC Deb 10 March 1969 vol 779 cc961-2
18. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to begin building the new trunk roads from the Immingham and Grimsby Ports to the Ml and Doncaster by-pass; and how long it will take to complete building these roads.

Mr. Bob Brown

It is hoped to start construction work on the extension on the M18 between Hatfield and Thorne in spring next year; between Hatfield and the present terminal point with the Don-caster bypass early in 1972 and on improvements to the A18 between Thorne and Keadby Bridge in 1972. The duration of work in each case is likely to be two years.

Sir C. Osborne

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that in six years traffic at the port of Immingham has increased eightfold and that it is the boom port of the East Coast? Is he further aware that the improvements in road communications which he is proposing will scarcely touch the problem? Will he look at this as a matter of urgency? It is no good bringing more trade into this vastly expanding port unless the roads are available to take traffic out.

Mr. Brown

It is because we realise the urgency of the problems that we have got down to the dates I have announced.