§ 12. Sir William van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects work to start on the section of the M3 from north of Winchester to the M27.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAs my hon. Friend will now be aware, I announced on 6 April that the first of two main contracts for the M3 extension from Popham to Bar End, Winchester had been let. A second contract will be let shortly. Work on both contracts will start very soon. As I said in reply to the hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Mitchell) on 21 February, I hope that construction of the improvement south of Bar End can start in 1985.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeIs my hon. Friend aware that all those who use that busy road are much indebted to her for the energy that she has put into the improvements and extensions of the motorway? Will she press forward, knowing that she has much support, with the revised proposals of the consultants for the road south of Bar End, which many of those who love that area believe make much sense?
§ Mrs. ChalkerI am grateful for my hon. Friend's remarks. We have received a generally favourable reaction to the consultants' report, which justifies our asking the consultants to consider a difficult area for building. I shall, of course, consider all representations before making further announcements, but I assure my hon. Friend that I am anxious that there should be no unnecessary delay.
§ Mr. JayWill the Minister confirm that the proposed road east of St. Catherine's hill will now be adopted?
§ Mrs. ChalkerI am still considering reactions to the consultants' report, which the right hon. Gentleman has seen, and as soon as I am convinced that we have received all representations we shall make a decision. However, it would be a little premature for me to say anything today.