HC Deb 09 March 1970 vol 797 cc265-6W
Mr. Pardoe

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the progress in improving the transport facilities in and into Cornwall.

Mr. Bob Brown

In 1969 work commenced on the M5 extension in Somerset, on the Plympton By-Pass (A38) and on several smaller improvements. The Cullompton By-Pass (A38) was opened to traffic.

Our annual report, "Roads in England", published on 29th October last, lists other major road projects in an advanced stage of preparation and schemes being prepared for later years.

British Railways have already announced plans for extending and improving express services between London and Plymouth, to take effect this year.

All branch line railway services in Cornwall and some services on the main line between Plymouth and Penzance are being supported by grants totalling some £615,000 a year.

Mr. Pardoe

asked the Minister of Transport how many miles of motorways and dual carriageways were in use in Cornwall at the end of 1969; and how many he estimates will be in use by the end of 1970.

Mr. Bob Brown

None on motorways, 6½ miles are in use on other roads and no further lengths of dual carriageway are expected to be completed in 1970.

Mr. Pardoe

asked the Minister of Transport what was the total expenditure on improving the A30 between Exeter and Penzance in 1969–70; and what it will be in 1970–71.

Mr. Bob Brown

Details of the expenditure in the current financial year are not readily available. The estimated value of schemes on A30 between Exeter and Penzance committed in 1969–70 is £358,000. The estimated value of schemes expected to be committed in 1970–71 is approximately £150,000.

Mr. Pardoe

asked the Minister of Transport if he will obtain from the Chief Constable a report as to the number of people killed and injured in motor accidents in Cornwall in the latest period for which figures are available, and in how many instances drivers were found to be under the influence of alcohol.

Mr. Bob Brown

The chief constable tells me that the following casualty figures for the Number 1 District of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary in 1969. (No. 1 District is the whole of the County of Cornwall plus part of the Okehampton area of Devon).

Total casualties ߪ 3,487
Number killed ߪ 54
Number seriously injured ߪ 1,239
Number slightly injured ߪ 2,194

Records do not show how many of the drivers involved in these accidents were suspected of having alcohol in their body but in the same period the police operating in this district administered a total of 384 breath tests; 156 of these proved positive, and 141 resulted in prosecution.

Mr. Pardoe

asked the Minister of Transport if he will conduct an inquiry into the effect of rising road transport costs on economic development in Cornwall.

Mr. Bob Brown

No. My right hon. Friend does not think that an inquiry would serve any useful purpose.