§ 21. Mr. Costainasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is yet able to announce the alignment of the M20 motorway following the report of the public inquiry.
§ Mr. MulleyI hope to announce a decision on the alignment of the M20 between Maidstone and Folkestone early next year.
§ Mr. CostainThe inquiry took place a year ago last September. Multiple routes were put forward, with the result that a large number of houses have been blighted. If the Minister cannot make up his mind fully, will he make an interim statement indicating that certain routes will not be considered? That would enable some houses to be sold. It is ridiculous that the Minister should not have done anything about it after all this time.
§ Mr. MulleyI am concerned about the blight aspect, but the hon. Gentleman underestimates the complexities involved. 406 There were 400 objections and 24 alternative routes were put forward for consideration. To those alternative routes we received 1,400 counter-objections. Those objections obviously require a little time for study and for the necessary consultations. I attach great importance both to the M20 and to getting a decision as early as I can.