HC Deb 04 February 1959 vol 599 cc53-4W
16. Mr. C. Howell

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what will be the effect on the present bottleneck at Birchfield, Perry Barr, when the London-Birmingham motorway is completed in October next; and what plans are being made to deal with this route catering for the Birmingham-Walsall traffic.

Mr. Nugent

I do not expect that the opening of the London-Birmingham motorway will have any significant effect on the traffic at Birchfield, Perry Barr, but we are aware that this is already very heavy and we have told the Birmingham Corporation that we will be able to consider a major improvement scheme for this point in the next financial year.

56. Mr. Strauss

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation in what ways the specifications or the construction methods of the London to Birmingham Motorway are to be modified in light of the experience of the Preston by-pass.

61. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is satisfied that the specifications for the construction of the London-Birmingham motorway are such that there will be no likelihood of a repetition of what has occurred with the Preston motorway; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Watkinson

The Consulting Engineers for the London-Birmingham motorway do not recommend any modification either in the specification, which is not the same as for the Preston by-pass, or in construction methods. As at present advised I have no reason to differ from their conclusions.

65. Mr. G. Darling

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what reports he has received of serious cracks or fissures appearing in the surface of the finished or almost finished parts of the London-Birmingham Motorway since the recent heavy frosts.

Mr. Watkinson

None.