TRANSPORT M25 (Hansard, 23 April 1980)

HC Deb 23 April 1980 vol 983 cc429-52 429

§ 1. Mr. Archie Hamilton
asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on his plans for the M25 motorway.

§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Kenneth Clarke)
Its completion retains the highest priority in the trunk road programme.

§ Mr Hamilton
Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that at the recent inquiry in my constituency into the link between Reigate and Wisley, the greatest criticisms came from people who were worried about atmospheric lead from petrol? The recent Lawther report has recommended a reduction of lead in petrol. Would my hon. and learned Friend like to comment on that?

§ Mr. Clarke
We are, of course, very concerned about the Lawther report and are considering it anxiously. The Government intend to produce a reaction on behalf of all Government Departments, and it is hoped that that will be available by the summer of this year. Meanwhile, we are considering all our road programmes, and when the decision comes to be made on the Leatherhead interchange, we shall consider the problem of lead pollution and the levels of lead in the atmosphere on those congested urban roads which the M25 is designed to relieve.

§ Mr. Stanbrook
Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that the public inquiry into the Swanley Sevcnoaks section of the 430 M25 took place nearly a year ago but we still have not had the inspector's report?

§ Mr. Clarke
I am glad to say that the inspector's report is now to hand. However, it is a substantial document about a controversial proposal. I hope my hon. Friend will understand that my right hon. Friends will need some time to consider it before they can come up with the right conclusions.

§ Mr. Biggs-Davison
Is full weight being given to the views of such organisations as the Friends of Epping Forest regarding the route in that part of the country?

§ Mr. Clarke
We have always given the fullest consideration to the views of that organisation, because it is always difficult when a road programme encroaches on an area such as Epping Forest. Of course, parliamentary approval was specifically needed for that part of the route. I hope that we shall continue to treat the forest with the greatest sensitivity when dealing with road problems near it.