HC Deb 24 April 1972 vol 835 cc197-8W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will initiate an immediate departmental inquiry into the fire on the M32 Bristol Parkway;

(2) what steps he is taking to alleviate the additional congestion which the closure of the M32 motorway will bring to the M4;

(3) when he expects the M32 motor way to be reopened following the fire on the southbound carriageway.

Mr. Speed

As a result of stored polysterene for use in construction, catching fire M32 was closed completely for three hours and the southbound carriageway for six days. Only the southbound slip road from M32 at Muller Road (where the fire occurred) remains closed and it may be some weeks before it can safely be re-opened. No congestion has resulted on M4. An inquiry would be for Bristol City Council to arrange as highway authority.