§ Mr. Longdenasked the Minister of Transport whether, as most of the M.1 is already a three-lane motorway, and as the southern extension to it, which is now under construction, is also to be three-lane, he will ensure that the southern end of the existing M.1, which is about to be closed for major repairs, and which will link the new with the existing parts of the M.1, will be converted into a three-lane motorway.
§ Mr. Tom FraserI have no plans for widening this section of motorway. It is used by substantially less traffic than the dual three-lane section further north. Traffic on the southern extension under construction will also be considerably heavier since it will be augmented by flows from other routes approaching London. Conversion of the dual two-lane section into a dual three-lane motorway would be a major operation compared with the relatively minor surfacing repairs being carried out at present.