HC Deb 10 May 1961 vol 640 cc49-50W
73. Mr. du Cann

asked the Minister of Transport why the major improvement and construction programme for classified roads in England and Wales, 1961–62, includes a smaller total of work in the county of Somerset than for any other county in England included in the list, with the exception of Wiltshire; and whether he will re-examine these proposals, with a view to including in the programme a greater number of schemes which urgently require to be carried out in Somerset.

Mr. Marples

My programmes of large classified road schemes is drawn up to reflect national priorities, concentrating on the relief of urban congestion and the improvement of routes vital to industry. This means that some counties are bound to get fewer large schemes than others. I am satisfied that on this basis Somerset has not been unfairly treated.