§ 18. Mr. Bevanasked the Minister of Transport what proportion of roads expenditure in 1980–81 will be devoted to motorways.
§ Mr. FowlerI must ask my hon. Friend to await the publication of the roads White Paper.
§ Mr. BevanAssuming 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. FowlerThe 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.