HC Deb 11 November 1969 vol 791 cc164-5
19. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now completed his feasibility study for the construction of an East-West Motorway, joining Sheffield to Manchester and Liverpool; and when he expects to publish its findings.

Mr. Mulley

I expect to receive the final report on the Sheffield—Manchester project feasibility study at the end of the year. When its recommendations have been fully examined I will announce details of the scheme on which advanced preparation work will continue.

Mr. Osborn

Sheffield welcomes the fact that the Minister is a Sheffield Member. He knows how disappointed Sheffield is that it is not an intermediate area and that it has been disappointed in a delegation to Whitehall today. Will the right hon. Gentleman give this his urgent consideration, as Sheffield goods must get freely to Manchester and the Liverpool port?

Mr. Mulley

I am aware of the importance of this proposed road. That is why it is included in the strategic plan in the Green Paper published by my predecessor. Naturally, I am aware of the strong claims for this road, but, equally, as Minister, I have to take into account the strong claims from other parts of the country as well.

Mr. Hooley

I do not minimise the importance of this road, but will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it should be designed, if it is going to be carried over its projected route, so that there is no damage at all to the priceless amenity value of the Peak District National Park? Would he carefully study the implications for the National Park before giving any approval to the plans put forward?

Mr. Mulley

This, of course, is one of the aspects which will be considered in the study, but I cannot pronounce on the study until it is concluded and I have received it. I shall, of course, want a little time to reflect on the points which both hon. Members have put to me.

Mr. Fortescue

In his original reply, the right hon. Gentleman spoke of the special consideration which he was giving to the link between Sheffield and Manchester. Will he assure the House that this does not mean that the link between Manchester and Liverpool will be in any way neglected?

Mr. Mulley

I thought that I had made it clear that, while I was conscious of the importance of this road, I had also had borne in upon me the great importance of other projects, including the one which the hon. Member mentions.

Mr. Heffer

Would my right hon. Friend take it from me that the people of Liverpool are very pleased with his announcement about road construction and Government support when he was in Liverpool last week? Would he also take note that we are absolutely delighted with his remarks when he agreed that the chips on Liverpool docks are much better than those in the House of Commons?

Mr. Mulley

Some of my observations may not command universal admiration, but I am sure that all hon. Members, if they could have tested the chips in the docks canteen, would have realised that they are much better served, at least in this respect, than we in this House.