HC Deb 20 February 1980 vol 979 cc424-5
7. Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Minister of Transport what starting date he now envisages for the Barthomley link from Crewe to the M6.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I must ask the hon. Member to await the forthcoming roads White Paper.

Mrs. Dunwoody

I thank the Minister for that forthcoming answer. As his right hon. Friend has taken my constituency out of the development regions, is he aware that we need this link desperately for our industrial development? Will the Minister do whatever he can to expedite the decision?

Mr. Clarke

I announced a preferred route for the Barthomley link in August last year after meeting a number of representatives of the area. We are now preparing the design of the preferred route and undertaking the necessary traffic surveys to support it. Work is proceeding and, when the White Paper emerges we shall be able to give an estimated date for its construction.