HC Deb 06 February 1974 vol 868 cc1195-6
3 Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now publish the inspector's report from the public inquiry into the proposed A5111 Leeds-Exeter trunk road through Allestree, Derby.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Keith Speed)

My right hon. and learned Friend will publish the report when he announces his decision on the proposals, which I hope will be this spring.

Mr. Whitehead

As it is now 14 months since the inquiry and also well past the date when publication of the report was promised, are we to assume that the Government are still trying to take on board the new thinking about the destruction and distress caused by urban motorways of this kind or are there other considerations such as the announcement of an election, given the area concerned in Derby?

Mr. Speed

The last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question was uncalled for and untrue. He will know that the scheme is both complex and sensitive. I agree that there has been delay; it is a long and comprehensive report. In addition, the hon. Gentleman will know that last July the scheme was announced as one of the deferments.