§ 29. Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Midland Road Construction Unit engaged in surveying a proposed route for the M42 Birmingham to Nottingham motorway has taken, is taking, or will take boreholes along alternative projected routes in addition to the boreholes now being prepared just north of Risley.
§ Mr. Graham PageNo other soil survey has been or is at present being made. Further boreholes will be taken, if necessary, for selection of a proposed route for the motorway.
§ Mr. RostI agree that the M42 motorway is urgently needed, but is my hon. Friend aware that my constituents are extremely concerned at the evidence which they have that the boreholes have so far been taken in only one area; namely, through the beautiful villages of Risley and Stanton, and right across the Erewash golf course? Will he please note that my constituents will not stand by and watch the environment being polluted and ransacked for a motorway route which we all believe could be resited far more favourably in another area?
§ Mr. PageI am extremely sorry that it should be thought that there is a risk 1035 of the Erewash Valley golf course being destroyed by a motorway. In fact, there is no decision on this matter yet. The stage of taking trial boreholes is only an investigation stage, and there is yet no chosen route.