asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the urgent need for a by-pass road at Thorne, near Doncaster; that the main thoroughfare is not wide enough for two motor vehicles to pass at one time; and, in view of the enormous increase in road traffic through the town, will he use his influence with the highway authority to expedite the necessary improvement?

I will ascertain whether the West Riding County Council, who are the responsible Highway Authority, propose to include the scheme in the five-year programme of road works which they now have under consideration and communicate the result to the hon. Member.

Will the hon. Gentleman inform the West Riding authority, who already know the facts, that this is one of the worst and most urgent examples in any part of Yorkshire?

I will put myself in communication with the authority.