HC Deb 24 January 1973 vol 849 cc441-2
8. Mr. Raphael Tuck

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has given consideration to the question of constructing an exit on the northbound carriageway of the M1 at Stanmore so that ambulances on that carriageway south of the exit will be able to reach the hospital nearby.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Keith Speed)

Yes, Sir. I refer the hon. Member to my letter of 18th January.

Mr. Tuck

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that letter. Is he aware that if an accident happened on the northbound carriageway near Stanmore, as there is no exit, an ambulance would have to go all the way to Watford, round the roundabout and then back to Stanmore where there is an exit on the southbound carriageway? That would mean a journey of 10 or 11 miles, whereas if there were a turn-off on the northbound carriageway the distance would be only about three and a half miles. Will the hon. Gentleman get cracking on this, because it could result in the saving of lives?

Mr. Speed

These matters are to be discussed shortly between my Department and the appropriate authorities.

Mr. Allason

While the catchment area for accidents on the motorway south of this turn-off is limited, will my hon. Friend consider that there is the possibility of a considerable increase in the number of accidents in the future and therefore that this turn-off would be extremely valuable if it were planned now in view of the future use which unfortunately will be needed?

Mr. Speed

My hon. Friend and his constituents have made these representations to me. As I have told him in a letter, these are matters that we shall be looking at in the near future.