§ 3. Mr. Hall-Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will authorise an early start on the Lindale bypass improvement to the A590, in view of the delay in announcing a decision on the Furness Link Road inquiry.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Keith Speed)A new line for a bypass of Lindale is part of the proposals for the Barrow (Arnside) Link. It will, therefore, be dealt with in the decision which my right hon. Friend hopes to announce shortly.
§ Mr. Hall-DavisIs my hon. Friend aware that hope to announce a decision shortly has been expressed since February, following a meeting with the Prime Minister in Manchester? Is it possible to set a firm date for the Lindale diversion, which I understand will follow the same line, whatever the link road decision, particularly as there has been a fatality on this stretch of road since the Question was tabled?
§ Mr. SpeedI am aware of the great delay. I sympathise with my hon. Friend and others in this respect. Unfortunately, because of the connection with the A590 at its eastern end, which will depend on my right hon. Friend's decision, it is not possible to advance it; but as soon as a decision is made we will try to get priority for this section of road.