HC Deb 27 October 1982 vol 29 c1033
18. Mr. Colvin

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what major road improvements are planned for the county of Avon in 1983.

Mrs. Chalker

There are no proposals for new major improvements on my Department's trunk roads in Avon in 1983–84, although proposals are programmed in the years ahead. I understand that Avon county council will be completing improvements at the Tottendown junction, Bristol, and the Old Mixon railway bridge, Weston-Super-Mare, in 1983. Subject to the availability of funds in 1983–84, it is also proposing to start work on stage 2 of the Newfoundland Road improvement, Bristol, between the M32 and the inner circuit road.

Mr. Colvin

Will my hon. Friend say what representations she has received about a new motorway junction between the M5 and the Avonmouth industrial areas? Will she also say whether she takes into account the overspending by councils on revenue account in deciding on capital grants for highway improvements?

Mrs. Chalker

I appreciate the problems that affect Avonmouth and the potential need for a new junction with the M5. Informal discussions have already taken place with the county council on this matter. I shall certainly consider any proposals that are designed to alleviate the problem of heavy traffic through the residential area of Avonmouth, and I shall talk to the county officials tomorrow about it. It is up to the county councils to decide their priorities in the TPPs that they put to the Department. If they put high revenue subsidies as a higher priority than road building, they know what to expect from the Department.