41. Mr. Brian Harrisonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has completed the survey of the Witham by-pass; and when he will notify the owners of land affected that they are likely to be disturbed.
§ Mr. MolsonA preliminary survey has been completed, but I cannot yet say when the owners of land affected will be notified, as consultations with statutory authorities are necessary before the proposed line can be determined.
Mr. HarrisonWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that information, may I ask whether he would please expedite it as far as possible, because the development of the Witham industrial site and the future of a number of firms are in jeopardy?
§ Mr. MolsonThe preliminary survey for the Witham by-pass has been completed by the agent authority, which is the Essex County Council. The necessary preliminary consultations with the statutory bodies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, will be commenced shortly. They are likely, together with the preliminary survey by the divisional road engineer, to be completed within the next six months.