HC Deb 07 July 1971 vol 820 cc1317-8
12. Mr. Allason

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has decided to hold public inquiries on the various sectors of the A41 bypass, Kings Langley to Tring.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Michael Heseltine)

No, Sir. This is a matter for consideration after the objection period has ended in August.

Mr. Allason

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable local concern about some sections of this route where both private and public amenities are seriously threatened? Would he make it clear that his mind is not closed about the final line of the route but that he will consider alternative suggestions and is prepared to consider tunnelling in places where the route seriously threatens public amenities?

Mr. Heseltine

My hon. Friend will know that those matters could be ventilated at the public inquiry should it be necessary. The objection period closes in about six weeks' time.

Mr. Raphael Tuck

For this bypass, and, indeed, all bypasses, including motorways, will the hon. Gentleman consider the system adopted in Germany on autobahnen where lorries are prohibited from travelling in the outside lane, resulting in increased safety? Would he consider this suggestion particularly for the killer stretches of the Ml?

Mr. Heseltine

That is a different question from the Question under discussion, which concerns a bypass.