HC Deb 10 July 1989 vol 156 cc668-9
2. Mr. Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make a statement on the completion of the M3-M27 motorway link.

The Minister for Roads and Traffic (Mr. Peter Bottomley)

We hope to award the main contract for the Compton to Bassett section of the M3 extension shortly.

Progress on the Bar End to Compton section depends on our consideration of the inspectors' reports on the recent inquiries. We hope to make an announcement later.

Mr. Atkinson

My hon. Friend's statement will be greeted with relief and encouragement by the millions of motorists who have had to endure more than a decade of misery and delay along the present A33 link road, but they will not believe in the completion of the motorway link until they see it. Will my hon. Friend be more precise about when he foresees the road actually being open for use by motorists?

Mr. Bottomley

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question about completion is 1991. It would be beyond the abilities of my crystal ball to give an answer to the second part.

Mr. Ward

Is my hon. Friend aware that we have had five public inquiries about this stretch of road and that between 1978 and 1987 there were 217 accidents on it involving personal injury? Could not my hon. Friend go down in history as the Minister who made up his mind? The Department has procrastinated for donkey's years. No new information will be forthcoming from an inquiry, so will my hon. Friend make us his mind? I was told that the section would be opened last year, but there is still no sign of activity.

Mr. Bottomley

The excuse—and the reason—for the delay outlined in the second part of my hon. Friend's question was legal matters; if I answered the first part of my hon. Friend's question, further legal problems would probably result. The fastest way of helping is to say nothing.