HC Deb 20 February 1980 vol 979 cc434-5
18. Mr. Bevan

asked the Minister of Transport what proportion of roads expenditure in 1980–81 will be devoted to motorways.

Mr. Fowler

I must ask my hon. Friend to await the publication of the roads White Paper.

Mr. Bevan

Assuming that the White Paper will show a substantially reduced proportion compared with previous years will my right hon. Friend indicate what progress can be made towards completion of the essential strategic motorway programme in the West Midlands and especially of the M42?

Mr. Fowler

The M42 inquiry is going ahead. The West Midlands is already well served, as my hon. Friend knows. Clearly the needs of the West Midlands and other industrial areas will be kept in view when we publish the White Paper.