§ 11. Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware of the widespread concern over the delay in announcing a date for the start of the work on the Malton bypass scheme on the A64; and whether he has yet received the amended firm programme report.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineI understand that the amended firm programme report will be submitted by the North Riding County Council by the end of the year. Once received, it will be considered urgently, and I hope that an announcement about a place in the programme will follow early in 1971.
§ Mr. TurtonIs my hon. Friend aware that for 32 years there has been pressure for this bypass, which would remove the congestion on this road? This proposal has been in the preparation pool for three years. Why is it dragging on like this, when everybody in the West and North Riding is anxious for it to be started as soon as possible?
§ Mr. HeseltineI much appreciate the work that my right hon. Friend has put into this scheme. I hope that a possible announcement early in 1971 will help, but there have been redesign problems recently. We have to avail the solution of these, and ensure that the scheme stands up to the tests that we have to apply.