A38 (Hansard, 13 January 1997)

§ 4. Sir Robert Hicks
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce the commencement of the design and other preparatory work for the A38 trunk road improvement scheme between Carkeel and Stoketon Cross; and if he will make a statement. [8782]

§ Mr. Watts
The A38 Saltash to Stoketon Cross improvement scheme has been retained in the main road programme. Design work on the scheme will be resumed when resources allow.

§ Sir Robert Hicks
Is my hon. Friend aware that that much-needed road improvement will help to provide access to the Broadmoor Farm business park and that, when Caradon district council considered the application, it was obliged by the Highways Agency to impose a condition that will not allow that exciting development, with a job creation potential of 2,500, to go ahead until the new road is complete? Surely, in view of its importance to the local economy, he should provide the necessary funds for the design and preparatory work now.

§ Mr. Watts
I am well aware of the importance of the scheme to that imaginative development. That is why, in the 1995 review of the road programme, I separated that part of the improvement from a larger scheme. My understanding is that the developers are content with the condition that has been imposed by the district council following the direction from the Highways Agency, but we have made it clear to both the council and the developers that the agency is willing to negotiate with the developers on a more limited road improvement, to enable the scheme to be occupied; the development may proceed, but the condition is that it may not be occupied until the necessary road improvements have been carried out. We remain ready to negotiate on the extent of the improvements.

§ Mr. Bradley
On behalf of the millions of motorists who may use the A38 trunk road improvement and similar trunk roads throughout the country, I ask the Minister to confirm that he is considering his senior management proposal to abolish the option of a six-month road fund licence and the option of the purchase of licence stamps, as a cost-cutting exercise—

§ Madam Speaker
Order. This is a very specific question, and the hon. Gentleman must either be specific or resume his seat—one or the other.

§ Mr. Bradley
The abolition of the six-month road licence will be used by motorists on the A38 improvement—

§ Madam Speaker
Order. That must be it. The hon. Gentleman cannot widen a question as specific as this.