HC Deb 27 July 1960 vol 627 cc142-3W
49. Dr. Broughton

asked the Minister of Transport if he can yet state when he expects the motorway, M.1, to be completed as far north as Doncaster.

80. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport what progress he has made in his discussions on the draft scheme with regard to the Leicestershire portion of the London-Yorkshire motorway; when he expects the remaining statutory processes to be completed; and on what date he now expects construction to begin.

Mr. Marples

It is too early to give dates for the start or completion of the Crick-Doncaster section of the London-Yorkshire Motorway. The draft scheme for this section was published on 8th January last, and the objection period expired on 8th April. As I told the hon. Member for Leicester, North-West (Mr. Janner) on 20th June, the objections to the draft scheme are being considered. We hope to come to a decision on them shortly.

The next stages would be the publication of the Side Road and Compulsory Purchase Orders. Objections could be lodged and I therefore cannot at this stage say how long it would take to decide them. The starting date for construction would also depend on the availability of funds.

90. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Minister of Transport if he is yet in a position to announce the official starting date of the Birmingham-Yorkshire section of the London-Yorkshire motorway; and whether it will be given before or after a full report is to hand on the investigations being carried out at present by his Department, and others, on the shadow hazards of the completed section of the motorway.

Mr. Marples

For the reasons I have already given in reply to the hon. Members for Batley and Morley (Dr. Broughton) and Leicester, North-West (Mr. Janner), it is too early to forecast a starting, date for this section of the motorway. I expect an early report about the shadows under the bridges on the London-Birmingham section. There is no evidence so far that the construction of the bridges is at fault.