asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in view of the need for safer and more efficient industrial communications, he will make a statement on the construction of a Sunderland by-pass road.

The proposed Sunderland by-pass would involve about 8½ miles of new road at a cost of over £1 million, and I regret I cannot say when it will be possible to fit this scheme into the road programme.

Can my right hon. Friend make a statement about any future programme and any major development of a road scheme in the North-East?

No, Sir. There is a Question on that on the Order Paper.