HC Deb 02 August 1978 vol 955 cc729-30
3. Mr. Sainsbury

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied with the progress being made in improving access to south coast ports.

Mr. Horam

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Sainsbury

Does the Minister accept that for many years the ports on the south coast, particularly in Sussex, seem to have been deprived of the assistance that other areas have received in improving roads? As the Government have managed to find some £35 million to help inefficient and overmanned ports, will the Minister assure us that there will be money available to carry out the agreed improvements to efficient ports which provide employment in areas of above-average unemployment, such as Shoreham, half of which is in my constituency?

Mr. Horam

Yes, indeed. The roads to the south coast ports have high priority in our general planning, as I am sure the hon. Gentleman will be aware from the debate we recently had upstairs on the South-East strategic plan. Regarding the port of Shoreham, the West Sussex county council is ready to start building the Bramber-Steyning bypass on the A282, which is an important part of the link with the rest of the country.

Mr. Moate

When considering roads to ports in the south, will the Minister bear in mind the urgent needs of the A249 to the port of Sheerness, one of the busiest in Britain, where it is physically impossible in some places for two heavy lorries going in opposite directions to pass? Will he give the utmost priority to the improvement of that route?

Mr. Horam

I am not sure whether that is a county road or a trunk road, but I will look into the matter.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

Is it not inconsistent for us to be asking for improved access by road to the south-east coast ports when we are withdrawing rail facilities at Southampton?

Mr. Horam

It is not at all inconsistent. An increasing proportion of heavy lorries are finding their way from the south coast ports, particularly in Kent and Sussex, and we need adequate road facilities to protect not only the people who live along those routes but the general environment.

Mr. Viggers

Is the Minister aware that saying that the matter has high priority is nothing more than a pious hope when nothing is done to improve the M3 access to Southampton?

Mr. Horam

No. The hon. Gentleman should be aware that a considerable amount of improvement work is going into the M3 in general. We are awaiting a report from the inspector of the Winchester bypass inquiry at the moment, and there is quite a lot of work going on.