HC Deb 22 February 1956 vol 549 cc49-50W
104. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to give an assurance that the motorway schemes proposed under the present programme will be carried out as quickly as originally intended; and, in particular, that the actual construction of the motorway between St. Albans and Ashby St. Ledgers will be started within two years.

Mr. Watkinson

As I said in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Mr. Gresham Cooke) on 8th February. I am reconsidering priorities, but I cannot say at present whether, as a result, there will be any changes in the motorway schemes. The preparatory work including the statutory procedures is proceeding.

109. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation by how much the roads programme is to be reduced for 1956–57; the total estimated expenditure during that year and the total new commitments to be entered into; and how these compare with the announced programme.

Mr. Watkinson

As I said on 8th February in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Mr. Gresham Cooke) I am reconsidering priorities to secure better traffic flow particularly at the approaches to large towns. This I think will be a better use of road resources in present circumstances. Accordingly, a few schemes which it was previously intended to authorise in 1956–57 will be deferred and the amount to be spent during that year will be reduced by about £¼ million.