§ 22. Mr. Bodyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now announce the preferred route for the proposed Long Sutton bypass (A17 road).
§ Dr. GilbertI hope to make an announcement on the preferred route for the A17 Wigtoft Sutterton and Long Sutton/Sutton Bridge Bypasses early in the new year.
§ Mr. BodyThe hon. Gentleman has been hoping for a long time to make that decision. This matter is causing a great deal of hardship. Does he not appreciate that it is very hard on many people to make these proposals and then for months to go by before a firm decision is taken?
§ Dr. GilbertI certainly accept the point made by the hon. Gentleman. Part of the difficulty in this case is that the route crosses good agricultural land. We are having discussions with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and we hope to reach agreement shortly.