HC Deb 15 December 1954 vol 535 cc159-60W

Whiteinch—Linthouse Tunnel, Glasgow

Final engineering details are under discussion with the Glasgow Corporation as highway authority and the consulting engineers.

Cromwell Road Extension (London County Council's part)

Preparatory work and land acquisition are in hand and it is hoped that the London County Council will be able to start constructional work early in the New Year.

Wilderspool level crossing, Warrington (A.45)—provision of a bridge

The scheme has been fully prepared and I hope to authorise the Warrington County Borough Council to let a contract very soon.

101. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent the procedures which have to be carried out following the authorisation of a road improvement or construction scheme enable actual physical work to be started as expeditiously as the present state of the country's highway system demands; and what modification of such procedures he intends to propose.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Procedures laid down by Parliament for the protection of the rights of the property owners and others concerned cannot be modified except by legislation, and I have no intention of proposing legislation to reduce these safeguards of individual rights. But within these limits I intend to proceed as speedily as possible with such road construction as it is possible to authorise.

124. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the amount of commitments it is expected will be entered into for new construction and major improvement under the expanded roads programme during each of the next three years; and the total expenditure on these works that will fall on the central government during each of these years.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I hope to be able to make an announcement about the expanded roads programme soon after the Christmas Recess.