§ Mr. Hamlingasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the Dover Radial Route, in view of the undesirability of bringing a motorway into the heart of a densely populated area in South-East London.
§ Mr. Tom FraserResponsibility for a new Dover Radial Route running westwards from the A.2 at Falconwood rests with the London County Council, and, after 1st April, the Greater London Council. The first stage of the scheme is designed to provide a route between the trunk road A.2, which is to be improved to a high standard, and the proposed new southern approach to the Blackwall Tunnel. The L.C.C. are also investigating a further extension to cater for east/west traffic.
For my part, I have encouraged the L.C.C. to study possible routes for both stages and have agreed to the appointment of consulting engineers for the purpose.
This road is of high importance and is badly needed. Great care is being taken to contrive a line for it that will keep the disturbance it causes to the minimum. When selected the separate stages will be published in draft with a view to inclusion in the Greater London D Development Plan. They will be open to objection and, if necessary, a public inquiry will be held.