§ 3.23 p.m.
§ LORD WOLVERTONMy 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 whether it is correct that they are carrying out a feasibility study on the A.45 (Ipswich to the Midlands) to ascertain the type of improvement to be carried out (i.e., ordinary dual carriageway or motorway); and how soon the study will be completed, so that work can proceed as rapidly as possible.]
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, there is no feasibility study, In June, 1971, the whole length of the A.45 from Cambridge to Ipswich was included in the preparation pool for comprehensive improvement. Some schemes on this route were already in preparation before June, 1971. The larger schemes are still being carried forward towards construction stage and the comprehensively improved route will be designed to fit in with them. However, it is necessary to take a comprehensive look at some of the smaller schemes in case they involve abortive expenditure. Most of these smaller schemes provide for dualling along the existing alignment, but it is possible that in some places an entirely new route might provide the better solution from the point of view of the local environment and in giving value for money. We will aim to complete this comprehensive look as soon as possible so that these schemes, if they can be accepted as part of the overall solution, are not unnecessarily delayed.
§ LORD WOLVERTONMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his reply, may I ask him a supplementary question? In view of the fact that Felixstowe Docks are about to be doubled in size and there is every possibility that 1185 this country will go into the Common Market, and as this route between the Midlands and the East Anglian ports is of vital importance, is it not necessary to try to speed up the work? Because although some of the by-passes have been authorised and the Bury St. Edmunds By-pass is out to tender now, nothing at all is happening in regard to the dualling between by-passes, and that is worrying a great many people.
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, I completely take what the noble Lord said about the ports. This is an urgent review and we should have the answer within a few months.
§ LORD NUGENT OF GUILDFORDMy Lords, may I ask my noble friend if instead of dualling along the existing alignment he would ask his Department to consider making two carriageways along the same line?
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, I have a certain sympathy with my noble friend.