HC Deb 24 July 1963 vol 681 cc168-9W
58. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Transport to what extent he has used the services of the Road Research Laboratory in planning the construction of the M.6 Motorway; and at what stage their experts were brought in to assist in overcoming the difficulties encountered.

Mr. Marples

The Road Research Laboratory was consulted during the preparatory period from 1958 to 1960. Since construction started there has been a series of joint visits to the works by officers of the Laboratory, my Department and the agent authorities, and any necessary changes in the specification have been agreed with the Laboratory. After the first landslip occurred at Waltons Wood in Staffordshire the Laboratory advised that further investigation was needed at the site.

59. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Transport on what date he now expects the completion of the section of the M.6 motorway from Dunston to Preston; and how this compares with the original programme.

Mr. Marples

The final length of 33 miles between Hanchurch in Staffordshire and the crossing of the Manchester Ship Canal was originally expected to be opened to traffic in September. It is now expected to be open later in the autumn. The exact date cannot be settled yet as progress will be dependent on the weather.