§ 11. Mr. Peter Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the proposed dates for starting and finishing the M56 and M531 extension.
§ Dr. GilbertSubject to the satisfactory completion of the statutory procedures and to the availability of funds, it is hoped to start work on the M56 extension in the financial year 1977–78 with completion about two and a half years later. The programming of the extensions to the M531 is a matter for Cheshire County Council.
§ Mr. MorrisonWhat effect will the proposed cuts in public expenditure have on the completion dates of these extensions?
§ Dr. GilbertThe cuts to which the hon. Gentleman refers relate to the financial year 1978–79 and should not affect this scheme.
§ Sir A. MeyerCan the Minister give any assurance as to whether there is to be an extension of the M56 to the Welsh border, or, if not the M56, at least a dualling of the carriageway?
§ Dr. GilbertI am not aware of any present plans for extension of the M56.
§ Mr. CrowderWill the Minister be prepared to consult his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to see whether some tax concession could be given to commuters for their fares, par- 364 ticularly people who of necessity have to live outside London?
§ Mr. SpeakerI think that the hon. and learned Gentleman has mistaken the Question. The matter that he raises does not arise on this Question. It arose on the last.
§ Mr. CrowderOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I asked a question in relation to the Minister's responsibilities, and that covers a very wide field.
§ Mr. SpeakerAt present, however, we are dealing with the starting dates for road extensions.