HC Deb 17 March 1999 vol 327 cc668-9W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his policy to provide funding for further rural bypass schemes; and if he will make a statement. [76774]

Dr. Reid

Nineteen trunk road bypasses were among the 37 schemes included in the Targeted Programme of Improvements announced last July following the Roads Review. Further cases will be considered in the studies proposed in the Review.

Local Authorities may propose bypasses as part of their Local Transport Plans where they are satisfied that they represent the most appropriate solution to the problem and deserve priority within their Plan.

Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he or one of his Ministers will visit Wyre Piddle to examine the case for the construction of a bypass. [76775]

Dr. Reid

We will examine the case for the construction of Wyre Piddle Bypass in the context of Worcestershire County Council's Draft Local Transport Plan, to be submitted in July this year. Any visit in advance of that consideration would be premature.