HC Deb 04 December 1973 vol 865 c1081
Q1. Mr. Pardoe

asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to Newquay.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)

I have at present no plans to do so, Sir.

Mr. Pardoe

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that Christmas is the time when a Newquay hotelier's fancy turns to thoughts of next year's bookings and that 95 per cent. of Cornwall's holiday-makers arrive by car? In the present doubtful situation concerning petrol supplies, many of those potential holiday-makers might well opt for a package tour abroad rather than risk not being able to get to Cornwall next summer. Will the right hon. Gentleman say something to allay these doubts and fears?

The Prime Minister

I take it that the hon. Member is mainly concerned with the A39 bypass. As he knows, a public inquiry will be held next spring—[Interruption.]—and, following that, we shall have to decide when the earliest work can begin. That probably will not be until 1975. [Interruption.]

Mr. Pardoe

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I realise that you have no responsibility for the content of a reply by a Minister or, indeed, the Prime Minister, but is it not an abuse of this House to answer a question that was never asked?

Mr. Speaker

That is not a point for me.