HC Deb 01 July 1985 vol 82 cc9-10
7. Mr. David Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for a north-eastern extension of the M3 motorway.

Mrs. Chalker

I have no such plans.

Mr. Atkinson

Will my hon. Friend accept the appreciation of my constituents and all users of the M3 motorway, including myself, for the recent completion of the southern extension ahead of time? Will she also accept that the same motorists will be disappointed with her reply, because they feel that any time saved by that extension will be lost as a result of the congestion at the other end, most notably on the A4? Does my hon. Friend have any plans to speed up traffic between the Chiswick flyover and Parliament square?

Mrs. Chalker

I thank my hon. Friend for his earlier comment about the completion of the southern extension of the M3, which was urgently needed. We are purposely looking at the needs and concerns within inner London not only of road users but of those who live in the area. Until the independent assessment studies have been completed, whether it be for that or any other area, I shall not be thinking of any changes to the present network.

Mr. Corbyn

When does the Minister expect the road assessment studies to be completed and published?

Mrs. Chalker

The work being done by the consultants is going along well on the whole. They need to collect a certain amount of information which they are not being permitted to collect. Therefore, I cannot give the hon. Gentleman an answer to his question. He had better ask his friends in the GLC.