HC Deb 15 November 1972 vol 846 cc403-4
10. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when progress on the design and surveying of a major road link between Sheffield and Manchester will be sufficiently advanced for a route to be published, and for those concerned to be consulted.

Mr. Speed

The scheme for a new Manchester-Sheffield route is in the Trunk Road Preparation Pool. Detailed investigation of possible lines is about to begin with the aim of publishing proposals in about two years' time. The usual consultations will be undertaken as soon as the preliminary proposals are sufficiently advanced.

Mr. Osborn

Is my hon. Friend aware that many local authorities, chambers of commerce and industrial associations welcome not only this decision but the fact that there is an extension of the Manchester motorway link? Is there not a case for greater publicity for what is happening over the intervening two years, so that not only those who support these proposals but those who oppose them may be better aware of what is likely to be announced in two years' time?

Mr. Speed

The discussions that will be taking place over the next two years will include discussions with one of the statutory authorities concerned—the Peak Park Planning Board—which has already indicated its opposition to, or its doubts about, this road scheme. Certainly, after the confidential discussions of a technical nature have taken place, my aim is that we should publish the draft proposals as soon as possible, so that full public participation can take place.

Mr. Mulley

I welcome the fact that action is being taken on this point, but is it really necessary to wait two years before the public inquiry and discussion can proceed, so that we can have a firm decision about the motorway, which is an essential part of the industrial and economic planning of the development of the Yorkshire region?

Mr. Speed

As the right hon. Gentleman will know, this is, in an environmental sense, a very sensitive route. It involves a large number of technical issues which have to be gone into to see how we can meet the environmental objections. If we can speed up the process so that it takes less than two years I shall be very happy; but it would be wrong to mislead the House, and it may well be two years before we can publish.

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