§ 2. Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on discussions between his Department and. the East Sussex county council about possible bypass routes to enable A259 traffic to avoid the towns of Hastings and St. Leonards.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Kenneth Clarke)There have been no recent discussions with the county council. Work on this scheme has been suspended, but it will be resumed when we can name a realistic date for its construction.
§ Mr. WarrenI know that my hon. and learned Friend is aware of the lamentable state of funding for trunk route projects in the part of the country that I represent, but may I draw his attention to some simple solutions to his problems? Will he consult the county council and utilise the spine road funded by the Hastings borough council, because that would supply at least half the route of a bypass round this busy town area?
§ Mr. ClarkeThe spine road suggestion by the county council is interesting. We are always happy to consult the 909 council and to co-ordinate its plans with our own. I hope that there will be some ways in which we can help before we are able to resume work on the Bexhill and Hastings bypass.