§ 4. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the progress of work on the M63/M56 in Stockport.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeConstruction of the M63 Stockport/East-West bypass is proceeding satisfactorily and should be finished by the spring of 1982. Detailed 863 proposals for the M63/M66 extension from Portwood to Denton were published in September 1980 and objections are now being considered.
§ Mr. BennettI am sure that the Minister appreciates that many of my constituents will welcome the progress that has been made on the piece of motorway being constructed now, but many others fear that it will simply move traffic congestion from one area to another. What is the timetable for going out to contract for the new section round to Denton?
§ Mr. ClarkeIt is certainly the case that the traffic will be moved from one place to another, although conditions should not be as bad at Portwood as they are at the present terminal. We have received some objections to the draft orders that were published last year. A public inquiry will be the next step, and I hope it can be held in the autumn of this year.