§ 13. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Transport whether a decision on the date for the start of work on the Malton bypass on the A64 has yet been taken.
Mr. Bob BrownThe scheme is still being considered for a place in the firm programme. We shall announce our decision as soon as possible.
§ Mr. TurtonIs the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware that for over 30 years I have been pressing for this improvement and that successive Ministers have agreed that it is important? As after the coming General Election I shall not be in the House, and the hon. Gentleman will not be on that Front Bench, will he, by authorising this scheme, consider assuring himself of a permanent memorial in the town of Malton?
Mr. BrownI agree with the right hon. Gentleman on one issue: we know that he will not be with us after the next General Election. The House will sustain a great loss when the right hon. Gentleman departs. I cannot agree with him, however, that I will not necessarily be on this Front Bench after the election.
We must be satisfied that it is a proper time for this scheme to find a place in the road programme before giving a decision. We will have certain aspects under consideration, not least of all the question of the permanent memorial to which the right hon. Gentleman referred.