§ 14. Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the date of the opening of the public inquiry into the proposed development of the A66 from Penrith to West Cumberland.
§ Mr. Graham PageI have now arranged for the inquiry to be opened in Penrith on Tuesday, 25th January, 1972.
§ Dr. CunninghamI welcome that reply. Why has it taken so long to 1324 arrange for this inquiry, bearing in mind the importance of this project to West Cumberland? Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that there have been no objections to the section of the road west of Cockermouth? If that is so, why has not the go-ahead been given for this part of the road, not only to speed the project but also to provide much-needed employment in Cumberland this winter?
§ Mr. PageI do not think that there has been any substantial delay. The Press announcement of an inquiry was made in September by my right hon. Friend. It was necessary to carry out the statutory procedures and to collect all the objections. We have fixed the inquiry as soon as it can possibly be managed. The inquiry must make its results known and my right hon. Friend must consider them before we can start work on the road.