§ 17. Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Transport, in the light of recent fatalities, if he will now ensure that the Maple Cross-M40 section of the M25 motorway is constructed as soon as possible in order to alleviate the traffic conditions in Maple Cross; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HoramThe recent White Paper "Policy for Roads" confirms that completion of the M25 remains a top priority. As I said in reply to the hon. Member on 24th April, construction of the whole of the section between Heathrow Airport Spur and Maple Cross is expected to start in the period 1981–83.
§ Mr. DodsworthWill the Under-Secretary indicate whether he will look at the reprogramming of different sections of this north orbital route, particularly in view of the fact that the existing section of road is funnelling traffic into the Maple Cross area and there is an urgent need for remedial works to alleviate the suffering of the residents, who are likely to undergo it for some considerable time?
§ Mr. HoramI note what the hon. Gentleman says, but I thik that the objective in the case of the M25 is to get ahead with all sections as fast as possible, and we shall carry on doing that.