Mr. B. Taylor:

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the nature of the reply sent by his Department to the Mansfield Town Council in reply to the town clerk's letter of 11th February, 1964, respecting the widening and improvement of Westfield Lane, Mansfield.

The Council has been informed that the scheme for the widening and improvement of Westfield Lane at a cost of £40,500 has been included in the classified road programme for 1965–66. Subject to approval of the details and the agreement of Nottingham County Council, grant will be available in that year.

Mr. Taylor:

Is the Minister aware that I am disappointed with the date, although grateful at long last for the sanction of this improvement? As the Question says, this is a lane. It has now become a bus route. Developments are taking place in the area. There is great danger, particularly to small children. When I raised this matter in 1961 —[HON. MEMBERS: "Question."] This is Mansfield. When I raised this matter—

The point is getting it into Question form.

Mr. Taylor:

When I raised this question in 1961, the cost was £30,000. It is now £40,500. If it is left any longer, it will be still more. Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman advance the date?

No. I do not foresee any appreciable increase in the cost. When the hon. Gentleman studies the details of the scheme, I think that he will agree that the scheme now proposed is ambitious and will be satisfactory. I am sorry that funds cannot be made available in the current financial year, but they are required for even more urgent schemes.