§ Mr. Bourne-Artonasked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied that the local organisation of his Department in the North-East concerned with roads is adequate, having regard to the special problems of that area; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. MarplesI am aware of the many problems in the area and of the importance of good communications for the industrial development of the region. I have decided to establish an additional Divisional Road Engineer's office based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The new Division will for the present cover the Counties of Northumberland and Durham. Tees-side and the County of Cumberland. It will start operating as soon as accommodation can be arranged in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which I hope will be well before the end of this year.