HC Deb 09 June 1971 vol 818 c1036
31. Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the reduction of traffic on the A670 through Upper Mill village when the M62 is completed.

Mr. Graham Page

The A670 is a principal road for which the West Riding County Council is the responsible authority. I understand that the council is collecting traffic data but is not yet in a position to forecast future traffic. There may, however, be some reduction when the Lancashire section of the M62 is opened later this year.

Mr. Clark

I thank the Minister for that reply, but is he aware that the failure by himself and the West Riding County Council to provide an estimate is being used as an excuse for failure to provide a bypass for Upper Mill, which was first mooted over 34 years ago? Will he do what he can to give priority for a bypass for that small area?

Mr. Page

It is true that as long ago as 1967 there was included in the preparation list a scheme to bypass Upper Mill, but the county council cannot submit a programme report until it is clear what the effects of the opening of the various stages of the M62 will be on the A670 traffic. It hopes to submit a report in the summer of 1972.