HC Deb 15 July 1970 vol 803 c1509
11. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has to improve road transport facilities between Exeter and North Devon and, in particular, Bideford.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

It is intended that the trunk road between Landkey Town and Venn should be improved and that a contribution will be made towards the cost of a relief road at Barnstaple.

Mr. Mills

Will the Minister bear in mind that this is not the real answer and that what is needed is better communications between Exeter and North Devon, particularly as this is a development area? Will he look into the matter to ensure that both road and rail provide a satisfactory system for people who live in the area?

Mr. Heseltine

The provision, rail services is in the first instance the responsibility of the British Railways Board. The roads which link Exeter and Bideford are essentially local authority roads, and schemes necessary would in the first instance come from the local authorities. I believe they have it in mind to spend half a million pounds by the middle seventies on this work.