HC Deb 16 November 1977 vol 939 cc560-1
11. Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he intends to announce his decision upon the recommendations of his inspector's report, following the public inquiry, into the whole question of the route and the junctions on the proposed section of the M27 between Hedge End and Chilworth.

Mr. Horam

My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Transport and the Environment will announce their decision as soon as possible, but full consideration of the inspector's report is likely to take some months. However, if it proves possible to make an earlier announcement about the alternative route, I have no doubt that my right hon. Friends will do so.

Mr. Price

I appreciate that the Secretary of State must fully consider the matter before announcing a full decision, but will he urgently announce the line and route, because that will set at rest the minds of my constituents and relieve many anxieties, and it will certainly be helpful?

Mr. Horam

The hon. Gentleman makes a reasonable point. The consequences in respect of blight involving the two alternatives are still undecided. Therefore, I shall take account of the hon. Gentleman's comments.

Mr. Adley

Is the Minister aware that the completion of the M27 is urgently required, as is the completion of the M3? Will he confirm that he has received representations from the Hampshire County Council on the vital need to join up the two motorways and provide fast access from London to the port of Southampton?

Mr. Horam

I can confirm that I have received representations from the Hampshire County Council on this subject.