asked the Minister of Transport when work is to be started on the A.19-A.168 road from Tees-side to connect with the A.1 road at Dishforth.

The divisional road engineer is discussing with the North Riding County Council the programming of the comprehensive improvement of this route. Schemes have to be designed and Statutory Orders will be required to determine necessary realignments and diversions on some sections of the route. This preparatory work will be pressed ahead with all speed and I hope that work will start on some sections within two years and on all sections within five years.

Is it not possible to push forward at a more rapid rate? This and other road improvements around Tees-side are necessary if the Government's programme for economic development is to be carried out?

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that we are pressing these schemes forward as quickly as we can, and it is hoped to authorise the whole of the additional programme in the North-East in the next four to five years.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the most dangerous section of this road is that between Thirsk and the Clack Lane End junction, and that any improvement to the north of that section will only aggravate the dangers? Will he tackle this improvement from the right end, in order to decrease the number of accidents on this road where the volume of traffic is increasing week by week?

That is a point that my right hon. Friend will bear in mind.