HL Deb 01 March 1966 vol 273 cc579-80

2.40 p.m.

LORD HILTON OF UPTON

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when it is proposed to make a start on Honingham By-pass on the A.47 Trunk Road in Norfolk.]

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, a scheme has been included in the roads programme for 1967–68.

LORD HILTON OF UPTON

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that I can hardly thank him for this Answer because, coming from Norfolk, this is a very disappointing reply to me? Is he aware that this is the main trunk road from Yarmouth right through to the Midlands, that in recent years most of it has been greatly improved, and that there is this one very bad spot. In this area two lines of fast traffic travel in opposite directions and when they reach this spot on this road they have to proceed very slowly and traffic is held up. Will he not have a word with his right honourable friend the Minister to see whether this starting date cannot be brought forward?

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, the survey has already been made. Orders under Sections 7 and 9 are ready to be issued. Following that, there has to be an opportunity for objections, completion of the engineering design and letting of contracts, and with the most optimistic assessment I doubt whether it could start within less than eighteen months to two years. But everything possible will be done, taking into account that one has to allow for the statutory processes to be gone through.

LORD HILTON OF UPTON

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether he is aware that a threatened closure of another branch line in Norfolk will throw additional traffic on this road, and this is another reason why the Ministry of Transport should have a look to see whether the date can be brought forward. I am glad to know that arrangements are well in hand, and I hope my noble friend will give great consideration to the matter to see whether an earlier date can be decided on.

LORD LINDGREN

Yes, my Lords; and if my noble friend can arrange with his friends in Norfolk not to object to the line of route, we shall be able to get on more quickly.