HORSHAM BY-PASS

HL Deb 07 July 1959 vol 217 c759

2.39 p.m.

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, I beg to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware of the urgent need for the building of a Horsham by-pass road, and when the work is likely to be started.]

THE EARL OF GOSFORD

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government are aware of this problem, and my right honourable friend considers that the best solution lies in the construction of a by-pass for the traffic at Horsham on the London-Worthing road, A.24. This road is not a trunk road; and, therefore, any initiative for such a by-pass must come from the West Sussex County Council, as highway authority. I must, in fairness to the County Council, point out that this scheme would be expensive, and my right honourable friend regrets that he would not yet be able to include such a scheme in the road programme at present.

LORD HAWKE

While thanking the noble Earl for his Answer, may I ask whether, in view of the long delays which occur in deciding controversial alignments of roads, and the delays which occur in the acquisition of land for them, his right honourable friend will advise the local authorities concerned to take counsel as early as possible in regard to these matters?

THE EARL OF GOSFORD

I have no doubt that the local authority will themselves take note of what the noble Lord has said.