§ 51. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Transport what stage has been reached in his plans for the extension of the M62 east of the A1 towards Kingston upon Hull.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineProposals for the route from Rawcliffe to Balkholme were published in April. We hope to publish proposals for the route from Ferrybridge to Rawcliffe later this year.
§ Mr. JohnsonDoes the Minister agree that there is a glaring omission in that the M62 goes only to Gilberdyke, 12 miles short of Hull? Is not it spoiling the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar not to take it on to the city?
§ Mr. HeseltineIt is often practicable to deal with stretches of motorway only in isolation. I wish it were possible to do otherwise. But I am sure that the hon. Gentleman realises that local factors must be taken into account.
§ Mr. WallWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that traffic to the third port of the country is being throttled by appalling East-West communications? Will he do his very best to speed up new roads in the area?
§ Mr. HeseltineThis is one of the many claims put to us.
§ Mr. George JegerIs the Minister aware that the recent discovery that the canal bridges to the east of Ferrybridge are in need of repair makes the M62 an even more urgent problem?
§ Mr. HeseltineThere are very lengthy and detailed statutory procedures through which one must go. There is no way of avoiding these, though we might consider doing something to reduce the time involved.