Mr. Adamson:

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the narrow and dangerous condition of the road A 34 where is passes through Whit church, Hampshire; and, as it is the main traffic artery from the South coast to the Midlands, is he prepared to take steps to modernise this section?

The road through Whitchurch forms part of the Winchester-Preston trunk road. Consideration is being given to the provision of a by-pass to supersede a part of this road including the built-up area of Whitchurch. In the meantime, work started in April last on widening to 60 feet the narrow section, nearly a mile in length, between Whitchurch and Tufton.

Mr. Adamson:

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give any indication as to how long it will be before the by-pass is there?

I am afraid I cannot without notice. I will let the hon. Member know.

Are the Ministry confirmed in the opinion that narrow roads are more dangerous to life than wide ones?

I think that all depends.