HC Deb 27 October 1971 vol 823 cc1708-9
10. Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now publish detailed proposals for the route of the motorway to be built between Nottingham and Birmingham.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

Proposals for the Solihull and Tamworth sections of the route have been published. The Bromsgrove and Castle Donington sections are still being investigated.

Mr. Clarke

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that not only is there a desperately urgent need for this motorway but that the surveys at present being carried out are causing alarm and harmful speculation amongst the inhabitants of the village of Trowell in Nottinghamshire, who are concerned that their houses are likely to be affected? I appreciate that a careful survey is essential, but will my hon. Friend give an assurance that he will produce detailed proposals at the first possible opportunity, and certainly before the end of this year?

Mr. Heseltine

The most likely time when the proposals would be published for the northern section—which is the one in which my hon. Friend is particularly interested—is the latter part of next year. With the detailed investigations that we are having to carry out it would not be advisable for me to give a date other than that.

Mr. Whitehead

When these plans are published after study, would the Minister consider how they integrate with the other proposed motorways to the east and south of Derby and together combine to provide an adequate by-pass for traffic through Derby which would render unnecessary the completely ridiculous bypass now being constructed in Derby?

Mr. Heseltine

It would be a bit late to change the route of a by-pass that is already being constructed. Obviously there would be an opportunity for a public inquiry, when all these matters can be ventilated.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

If it is going to take until the end of next year a great deal of damage may be caused to people living in that part of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire which may be affected by the route. Will my hon. Friend expedite matters, so that firm proposals can be made by next year?

Mr. Heseltine

It would be optimistic to say that I could expedite matters further than I have already indicated. It would be wrong to expedite matters and then to publish the wrong line.