HL Deb 17 November 1964 vol 261 cc493-4

2.40 p.m.

LORD AUCKLAND

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress is now being made with regard to the construction of the Baldock By-Pass.:

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD LINDGREN)

My Lords, work is expected to begin on this by-pass in the early summer of 1965. A postponement became necessary because of the need to hold a public inquiry in April into objections by local authorities to our proposals to provide a short link road between the by-pass and the Great North Road—that is, the A.1—north of Graveley. The predecessor of my right honourable friend the Minister of Transport decided to meet these objections by providing an interchange at Letchworth Gate. This made it necessary to publish a new draft scheme and order, which he did on September 18.

LORD AUCKLAND

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. May I ask him whether he will do all in his power to influence his right honourable friend to recognise the need for urgency in this job, to make sure that the last major bottleneck on the A.1 north of Hatfield is finally removed?

LORD LINDGREN

Yes, my Lords, most certainly. But the noble Lord, who knows this area exceptionally well, will, in fairness to my right honourable friend's predecessor, appreciate that the delay from 1963 till now has been entirely due to objections by local authorities. The previous Minister met these objections and agreed to provide the link at Letchworth Gate. The draft order was published on September 18 and one must now wait at least until December 19 in order that an opportunity may be given for possible further objections. If there are no objections we hope to go to tender—preparations are being made now—early in the New Year and to start the work in the summer.

LORD CONESFORD

My Lords, does not a major bottleneck constrict much less than a small bottleneck?

LORD AUCKLAND

My Lords, may I assure the noble Lord that the residents of Baldock will appreciate his remarks to the full?

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord very much.