HC Deb 13 January 1986 vol 89 cc765-6
15. Mr. Richard Page

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his best estimate of when construction of the Berkhamsted bypass will start.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Subject to the outcome of the outstanding statutory procedures, construction could start in the second half of 1988.

Mr. Page

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he accept that many of my constitutents want the bypass to be built urgently? As there seems to be an increase in traffic along the existing road through towns and villages, will he ensure that the road is dual tracked?

Mr. Spicer

My hon. Friend is right to imply that a revision of traffic forecasts caused the delay. He is also right to say that we are considering the whole question of dualling along that stretch of the road.