§ 6. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce his decision on the report of the inspector into the public inquiry into the Denton Bypass (M67).
§ The Minister for Transport (Dr. John Gilbert)As yet I can add nothing to the reply given to my hon. Friend on 4th February.—[Vol. 904; c. 646–7.]
§ Mr. BennettDoes my hon. Friend appreciate the concern of people in the area about the delay in announcing the results? Does he also appreciate the very great concern in Manchester that 356 there should be completion of the east ring road continuation of the M63 rather than a start on the M67, a second crossing of the Pennines?
§ Dr. GilbertI am aware of the concern in Manchester about the need to complete the ring road round the eastern side of the city. As far as the M67 is concerned, successive Ministers, including myself, have made it clear that the Denton and Hyde schemes stand on their own feet, independent of any proposals for a trans-Pennine scheme. I have given the Peak Park Authority my personal assurance that I shall visit the area before any final decision is made.