§ Mr. Leslie Thomasasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will specify the discussions which took place between his Department and Lancashire County Council on the design of the Preston By-pass.
§ Mr. WatkinsonAs I stated in the House on 28th January, when I said that the Lancashire County Council had my full support, the general question of drainage for the Preston By-pass was discussed between the Ministry and the Lancashire County Council in 1954.
Proposals submitted by the County Surveyor to the Divisional Road Engineer on 5th October, 1954, were discussed at a meeting held on 29th November, 1954, when it was agreed not to proceed with 187W them. Alternative proposals were submitted in a letter dated 1st December. These were discussed between the officers concerned and at a meeting in the Divisional Road Engineer's office on 21st February, 1955, agreement was reached as to what should be included in the contract drawings, it being accepted that the proposed sub-soil drain on the high side of the carriageway was not necessary.
At no time since constructional work started has any request for additional drainage or any other alterations to the plan been put forward by the County Surveyor and refused by the Ministry.
The Lancashire County Council have seen my reply and the County Surveyor confirms that the facts are as stated.