HC Deb 14 July 1976 vol 915 cc644-5
15. Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will postpone the start of new road building projects where widespread local opposition has been expressed until the independent assessment into the method of appraising road schemes proposed in the consultation document has been completed.

Mr. Marks

No, Sir. The schemes due to start in the coming year have already undergone rigorous appraisal by current methods and we have no reason to suppose that the outcome of the independent appraisal would alter their justification substantially.

Mr. Atkins

Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government criticised the present method of appraisal in line 22 of the consultative document by accepting the need for an independent assessment to recommend changes in the appraisal of road building schemes? Bearing in mind the present situation of cuts in expenditure, would it not be reasonable to delay those criticisms until we have had recommendations for the changes needed in appraisals?

Mr. Marks

It would be disastrous to stop all building to wait for an independent assessment. It is not criticism by the Department if we say that we shall open the matter to independent investigation; it is a sign of confidence.

Mr. Adley

Does the Minister agree that the current antics in Winchester are designed to give the impression that the 1971 inquiry never took place? Will he condemn the disgraceful attempts to disrupt the inquiry proceedings? Does he agree with the regional organiser of the TGWU, who said that if that kind of fuss was made outside, let alone inside, a factory, the loudest possible complaints would have come from just the sort of people who are currently performing in Winchester?

Mr. Marks

There is a lot in what the hon. Gentleman said. The purpose of such inquiries is to give people the opportunity to state their objection or their support for a particular project.

Mr. Shersby

Is the Minister aware that in Uxbridge people are anxious about the route of the M25 motorway? Can he say whether there is likely to be any delay in the programme for that important project?

Mr. Marks

I cannot say at the moment. There is full consultation about the choice of routes and side roads orders on all such roads. In the past, the Government have attached the highest priority to the completion of the M25.

Mr. Stephen Ross

Will the Minister accept that where road schemes have been long delayed there are grounds for establishing further inquiries and that in the case of the Winchester bypass there should he a further examination? Does he agree that, after a long interim period of five or six years, issues, attitudes and grounds change? Is there not a case for a re-examination?

Mr. Marks

That would be an enormous task. The M3 and the Winchester bypass are not the only roads that are proposed at present. Investment in transport, whether in road, rail or any other form, is an important part of our total industrial investment, and hon. Members should recognise that.