§ 22. Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what degree of flexibility exists in the planned A1—M1 link road; and in particular if he will consider veering further north to relieve Leicestershire roads from east-west traffic.
§ Mr. MulleyFour possible routes have been proposed by the Department. I am prepared to consider any other suggestions put to me before I come to a decision.
§ Mr. FarrIn the event of anyone being able to afford to run a car after yesterday's Budget, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the possibility of veering the road further north so as to relieve southern Leicestershire roads from the present intolerable traffic conditions? If he is not prepared to do so, will he bypass Market Harborough and take the route further south?
§ Mr. MulleyI cannot give an answer off the cuff when a public participation exercise is going on. If I were to answer either of those questions it would make nonsense of the exercise. Certainly we shall look at any proposals that the hon. Gentleman puts forward. For example, consideration was given to improving the A427 in the north but that has both environmental and cost difficulties. The question of a bypass concerns not only Market Harborough. Other towns in the area will fall to be considered when a final decision is taken on the route.
§ Mr. TomlinsonDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the logic of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement yesterday is that we should stop wasteful expenditure on motorway programmes? If my right hon. Friend wants to find resources to help the hon. Member for Harborough (Mr. Farr), a large number of my constituents will be happy for him to have the resources allocated to the M42 motorway, which nobody wants.
§ Mr. MulleyIt is simple to say that, but the best way to save fuel is by reducing traffic congestion. The main purpose of the road is to relieve a large number of towns and villages from the nuisance of heavy lorries, and that is not affected by yesterday's statement.