HC Deb 16 December 1997 vol 303 cc124-5
33. Mr. Nicholas Winterton

If he will make a statement on the improvements that his Department assesses to be required in the trunk road and motorway infrastructure. [19428]

Dr. Strang

Future improvements to the trunk road network are being considered in the roads review, which is part of the integrated transport policy review.

Mr. Winterton

I think that everyone accepts that an integrated transport policy is of the greatest importance to the country, not only environmentally but in respect of value for money. Does the Minister accept, however, that trunk road and motorway improvement projects are vital to the on-going economic success of the country? In my constituency, the Macclesfield to Poynton A523 improvement, the Poynton bypass and the Manchester airport link roads east and west must be constructed if we are to minimise the impact on my area of the expansion of Manchester airport—especially the building of the second runway, which I have warmly supported.

Dr. Strang

The hon. Gentleman has been an assiduous advocate of the case for the road schemes that he mentions. As he will understand, they are all being considered as part of the roads review. As for his wider point, of course more investment in roads is needed, as is some further road building, but the Government's approach is no longer to opt automatically for a road solution. We must look at other options and, where appropriate, give consideration to public transport and more effective traffic management.

Mr. Stevenson

In considering what improvements are necessary to the trunk road system, will my right hon. Friend note that the regulations governing compensation claims for businesses and properties, and the noise insulation regulations, are now outdated and anomalous and certainly do not reflect the justifiable claims of those whose properties are affected by trunk road building? As part of the reassessment, will my right hon. Friend consider the anomalies, and the serious misgivings that many of us have, and report back as soon as possible?

Dr. Strang

I know that my hon. Friend has taken a particular interest in the matter. He feels that adequate compensation has not been paid following the building of a road in his constituency. We shall continue to consider the matter, and I will take what he has said fully into account.