§ Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish a map, outlining the route of the bypasses for Mottram, Hollingworth, Tintwistle, Stockbridge and Deepcar and other improvements to the A628; and, in view of the fact that due to snow all direct roads between Manchester and Sheffield were unfit for heavy traffic for several days last week, if he will indicate the 512W extent to which these new proposals will amount to an all-weather link.
§ Mr. HoramPlans showing alternative proposals for bypasses of Mottram, Holingworth, and Tintwistle to the west of the Peak District National Park and of Stockbridge and Deepcar to the east of the Park will be sent as soon as possible to the local authorities concerned for comment, and subsequently there will be public consultation, at which the views of the public will be sought. Details of the limited improvements to the existing A628 road within the National Park will be announced only as they become necessary.
These proposals will not result in an all-weather route. This could be achieved only by building a new dual carriageway road throughout but, as announced on 18th February, this could not be justified in economic terms. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the existing M62 and M1 routes can cope with traffic which might have to be diverted from the A628 / A616 in bad weather conditions.