§ 56. Sir T. Beamishasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware that north-south communication with the port of Newhaven is only provided by two narrow, inadequate roads on the east and west side of the Ouse Valley, and of the concern of Newhaven Urban District Council about this matter; and if he will give an assurance that finance will be forthcoming for the improvement of one of these routes as soon as the necessary plans are agreed.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineSchemes for the Newhaven area were submitted by East Sussex County Council as candidates for the principal road preparation list, on which an announcement will be made soon.
306W
1st Quarter £m. 2nd Quarter £m. 3rd Quarter £m. 4th Quarter £m. Total £m. 1966–67 … … … … 27.9 37.4 34.5 33.0 132.8 1967–68 … … … … 36.0 50.3 41.4 54.0 181.7 1968–69 … … … … 48.7 46.4 49.4 52.7 197.2 1969–70 … … … … 46.8 66.7 73.8 58.8 246.1 1970–71 … … … … 71.3 95.0 79.1 65.4 310.8 1971–72 … … … … 70.9 76.1 74.6 55.0 276.6 (estimate) (estimate) It is expected that expenditure in 1972–73 will be well over £300 million. Work on the proposed Newhaven Town Centre Ring Road (North) Swing Bridges and Approaches scheme, which will greatly benefit traffic in and around Newhaven, will start later this year. The new road and bridge should be open to traffic in early 1975.
§ 57. Sir T. Beamishasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association about the need to improve road communications with the south and east coast ports; what assurances he has given; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineNone. My officials have received representations from the Road Haulage Association about the priorities to be accorded to a number of schemes now in preparation. It is too early to say what priority will be attached to all of these schemes, but it is our policy to give general priority to those providing access to the major ports.