§ Mr. Hornerasked the Minister of Transport how many accidents have occurred at the junction of the Halesowen by-pass and Manor Lane, Halesowen, since the opening of the by-pass last November.
§ Mr. SwinglerTwenty-two, including thirteen injury accidents.
§ Mr. Hornerasked the Minister of Transport whether her Department was consulted by the Worcestershire County Council as to the closing of the junction between the Halesowen by-pass and Manor Lane, Halesowen; whether she is aware that the closure took place without adequate notice either to the Halesowen Borough Council, or to the public; and if she will advise the county council to reopen the highway pending an inquiry.
§ Mr. SwinglerEarlier this year, Worcestershire County Council, as highway authority, consulted the Department and other interested bodies about the possibility of closing the gaps in the central reservation at this junction but no decision to do so was then reached. On 11th October, the council indicated that it had decided to proceed with the closure.
We are aware of complaints that inadequate notice was given, but I understand that the closure is now the subject of a court action. It would be improper for my right hon. Friend to intervene at this stage.