§ 25. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made over a northern approach road to the Humber Bridge.
§ Dr. GilbertThis is a matter for the Humberside County Council as highway authority for the scheme.
§ Mr. WallIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the completion of the Humber Bridge will generate a great deal more traffic in my constituency? In view of the recently announced delay in the completion of the Beverley south-west bypass, does not the hon. Gentleman agree that a northern approach road is essential to prevent Beverley from being overwhelmed and damage being caused to the famous Minster?
§ Dr. GilbertI understand that traffic predictions indicate that traffic flows will be heaviest in an east-west direction rather than a north-south direction. Be that as it may, it is for the Humberside County Council to accord priorities in this matter.
§ Mr. James JohnsonWhile I do not support any plea in any quarter regarding the opening of the Humber Bridge, may I ask my hon. Friend what is happening to South Docks Road, which traverses the whole length of my constituency—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Does it go to the bridge?
§ Mr. JohnsonYes. It begins just east of the Humber Bridge. It is essential 378 that action be taken to relieve congestion in Hull.
§ Dr. GilbertI am much obliged to you, Mr. Speaker, for coming to my aid. Now I know where the road is. I have had muttered information to the effect that the road is already receiving an extremely high priority.
§ Mr. John H. OsbornIs the hon. Gentleman aware that traffic coming from the industrial area—whether it will use the proposed bridge or not—is finding during this transitional period that the signposts are extremely difficult to follow? Will the hon. Gentleman ensure that there is adequate signposting to the other ports of the United Kingdom?
§ Dr. GilbertIf the hon. Gentleman has any difficulties with local signposting, I should be grateful if he would write to me about them.