HC Deb 19 December 1994 vol 251 cc1377-8
1. Mr. Sutcliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he intends to take to bring about the speedy completion of the Airedale route through Bingley and Saltaire.

The Minister for Railways and Roads (Mr. John Watts)

Excellent progress has been made on the preparation of the A650 Bingley relief road scheme.

The proposed A650 Saltair relief road is at a very early stage of development. The Highways Agency is currently pressing ahead with surveys which will facilitate the development of detailed proposals.

Mr. Sutcliffe

This road is vital to the people of Bradford and Keighley and to their economic success. Will the Minister today guarantee that the road will be completed, after £12 million has already been spent progressing the work thus far? Everyone in the area, of whatever party—including those who drew up the economic strategy of the district—depends on the road. We have read in this morning's press that the Government will need to take transport off the road and put it on to rail. I accept that, but the road is vital to our area and we need guarantees from the Minister today.

Mr. Watts

The hon. Gentleman is right to say that this series of seven schemes is intended to bring a raft of environmental and economic benefits to the communities in the area. He will be aware that two have been completed; five are in preparation. I am pleased to note the hon. Gentleman's support for these schemes, by contrast with the stance of the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher), who reiterated yet again today that the Labour party would impose a moratorium on all road schemes.

Mr. Waller

Is my hon. Friend aware that people find it difficult to understand why the Bingley bypass has only priority 2 status? Some very expensive preliminary works, including the diversion of the Leeds and Liverpool canal, have already been completed. I emphasise to my hon. Friend that the completion of the Airedale route, as soon as humanly possible, is essential to large numbers of businesses in Keighley and the Aire valley, and hence to much employment.

Mr. Watts

My hon. Friend's point is well made. 'There was, however, a thorough review of the road programme in March this year. As a result of that review, this scheme was placed in the priority 2 category—but I note what he has said, and what my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Sir M. Fox) has said. The latter has already impressed on me the importance of these schemes to his constituency.