§ 36. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now able to make a statement about the programme for the Preston Northerly Bypass, M55.
§ Mr. Graham PageA public inquiry into the proposals for the route is being arranged for late February, 1972, and it is hoped that construction may start by the end of 1973.
§ Mr. BlakerI am grateful for what my hon. Friend said, but may I ask whether he will bear in mind that the congestion and accidents on roads in this area are in the summer months worse than they are at other times of the year and will he have that in mind in relation to the likely completion date?
§ Mr. PageYes, indeed. I am hoping to get work started on this road as soon as possible, but we are bound by the statutory procedures. I have 52 objections; a public inquiry will have to be held; and then all the procedure of land acquisition will follow. I do not think we can do it any quicker than that, much as we should like to be able to do so.