§ 24. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the unsuitability of the existing roads as a link route from A.449 and A.38 to the junction on B.4084 with M.5 under construction, he will take steps to ensure that the proposed Worcester northern link road is completed as soon as possible after the opening of the motorway.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. John Hay)We hope shortly to make the order establishing the line of this road. We will then invite the Worcestershire County Council as our agent authority to prepare the scheme to contract letting stage.
§ Mr. NabarroCan my hon. Friend give any information about timings? Is he aware that the effectiveness of the Birmingham—South Wales motorway will be very largely vitiated until this critical link, the Worcester northern link 416 road, is completed? What is the Ministry's estimate for the commencing date for the northern link road and the completion of it, with the Worcester County Council as its main agents?
§ Mr. HayI regret that I cannot without notice given an estimate of the time. I can only refer my hon. Friend to what my right hon. Friend said to him in answer to a Question on 26th April last, which was that no firm date can be given at this stage.