§ 25. Mr. Templeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has received a firm programme report relating to the construction of the southern section of the Chester Ring Road; and when he expects a start to be made on this work.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Michael Heseltine)Yes, Sir. The report is being studied, and if it is approved I hope that work may start in 1973.
§ Mr. TempleI thank my hon. Friend for that reply but I find it a trifle disappointing. Is he aware that this ring road was started in the 1930s? The line was defined some years ago, orders have been made but no firm date has been given for the start of construction. When does he hope to start the construction of the road?
§ Mr. HeseltineIf we are able to take a programming decision, which we hope to do in two months' time, work may start in 1973.