§ Mr. Neaveasked the Minister of Transport in view of the proposed construction of a new power station at Didcot and consequent increase in road traffic in the area, what improvements it is intended to make to existing roads; and whether in this connection, he will increase the priority of the A.34 major improvement scheme.
§ Mr. GalbraithAs my hon. Friend knows, we do not expect that the priority of the A.34 major improvement scheme will be significantly affected. If the highway authority has any proposals for the improvement of other roads in the area no doubt they will approach us at the appropriate time.
§ Mr. Neaveasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the dangerous conditions on the A.34 between the Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, and the southern by- 62W pass, he will include the proposed diversion of this road to the east of Abingdon in the next possible road programme.
§ Mr. GalbraithIt has not yet been established that this is the best line for the by-pass. Until the scheme has been worked out in more detail and a reasonably firm estimate made of its cost we cannot consider it for inclusion in the road programme.
§ Mr. Neaveasked the Minister of Transport when he expects to come to a decision on the best route for the diversion of A.34 south of Oxford; and whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to local authorities and others by the present delay.
§ Mr. GalbraithI cannot say definitely when we shall be in a position to publish a draft Order fixing the line of this road. We are pressing ahead as quickly as possible with the assessment of the alternative routes. I regret any inconvenience caused, but we must be sure that the best line is selected for this expensive scheme.