§ Mr. Howeasked the Minister of Transport (1) what steps he is taking to ensure the prompt completion of works in Arrowe Park Road, Birkenhead, so as to preclude the necessity for extending 59W beyond six months the period during which Arrowe Park Road is closed; and whether he will give an assurance that he will not give his consent under Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1960 to any proposed extension of such period of closure;
(2) what consideration he gave to the requirement of safety measures, by way of lower speed limits, closing of adjacent roads to through traffic, and prohibition of overtaking, when giving his consent to the use of Fleetcroft Road, Birkenhead, as a diversion during the closure of Arrowe Park Road; whether he will require the taking of additional safety precautions while the diversion continues; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom FraserI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to him on 14th May. As I explained, these matters are the responsibility of the local highway authority. If they apply for an60W extension of the operative period of the closure Order I must consider the request upon its merits.