§ 15. Mr. Boothasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how long the Barrow-Arnside Link Road has been under consideration in his Department; and when he will make a decision on this matter.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Michael Heseltine)A link road to the A6 was first proposed to the Minister of Transport in 1963. The inquiry report reached my Department in February, 1971. My right hon. Friend will announce his decision as soon as possible but the proposals and alternative possibilities together with their environmental and economic effects are having to be considered.
§ Mr. BoothWill the Minister accept that all those in the area, who have waited for nine years for a decision on this matter, feel that they have been very shabbily treated, and that the Furness Area Development Committee, which has been seeking to retain industry and attract new industry into areas where it is badly needed, feels that unless it has an assurance of this major improvement in inland communications it is doomed to a very difficult task?
§ Mr. HeseltineI share the hon. Gentleman's concern to get a quick decision on this matter.