§ 31. Mr. David Stoddartasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has considered the effect on the environment in the Gorse Hill district of Swindon of the proposed route of the Cricklade Road relief scheme.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineNo application for planning permission for the construction of this road has yet been made. If and when one is made, I expect that it would be referred to my right hon. Friend as a departure from the development plan. The effect on the environment would be an important factor in his consideration of the matter.
§ Mr. StoddartWhile thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask him if, should he set up an inquiry, he will bear in mind that there will be 200 houses destroyed and a lot of old people displaced by this road scheme, which is highly expensive?
§ Mr. HeseltineI can assure the hon. Gentleman that a great deal of attention is paid to these problems by public inquiries, when they are held.