HC Deb 05 July 1978 vol 953 cc437-8
6. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the Beverley south-west bypass; and what is the earliest date on which it can be completed.

Mr. Horam

The inspector's report on the public inquiry held in April into the draft compulsory purchase order and side roads variation orders is at present under consideration. Subject to the satisfactory completion of these outstanding statutory procedures and to the availability of funds, the bypass could be completed by the end of 1980.

Mr. Wall

Is the Minister aware that the Humber bridge—the biggest single, span bridge in the world—is due for completion at the end of next year and that there will be grave congestion throughout the area unless this bypass follows it very quickly? Will he therefore do everything that he can to speed up the work?

Mr. Horam

Yes, I certainly shall. As the hon. Gentleman knows, there have been one or two difficult problems over access to farms. That has slowed up the preparatory work. But, now that we are at this advanced stage, I shall see that the further processes are expedited as much as possible.