§ 2.58 p.m.
§ Lord MONTAGU of BEAULIEUMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when a start will be made to complete:—
- (a) the M.3 Motorway from Popham to Chandlers Ford; and
- (b) the M.27 eastwards from Eastleigh.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Stedman)My Lords, progress with the M.3 motorway between Popham and Chandlers Ford depends on the outcome of the public inquiry which took place between June 1976 and July 1977 into the proposed section between Popham and Compton. My right honourable friends the Secretaries of State for Transport and for the Environment hope to receive the Inspector's report of the inquiry before long and will announce their decision as soon as possible.
We aim to let contracts for advance bridgeworks on the M.27 East of Eastleigh, from Chilworth to Hedge End, later this year, and those for the main works in 1980. These dates are subject to the satisfactory completion of the statutory procedures and to the availability of funds.
§ Lord MONTAGU of BEAULIEUMy Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for that Answer, particularly with regard to the M.27. As regards the M.3, are not the Government aware that many people find it quite extraordinary that the Inspector should take 18 months to make a decision on something into which previous inquiries have been held?—during which time there has been added congestion, and accidents and other difficulties on that road. Can the noble Baroness prevail upon the Ministers to make a decision as quickly as possible once they receive the Inspector's report?
§ Baroness STEDMANMy Lords, yes. We must accept that there are many and very contentious issues that have been 12 involved in this particular section, which led to a very long public inquiry. Presumably when we receive the report, it also will be very long and complex. I understand that the report is now completed in draft and, therefore, we ought to have it very shortly. Arrangements are certainly being made in both Departments to deal promptly with the Inspector's report once it is received.