HL Deb 12 November 1996 vol 575 cc866-7

3.7 p.m.

The Earl of Bradford asked Her Majesty's Government, further to their answers of 1st March 1995 (H.L. Deb., WA 99) what progress has been made in the construction of the Birmingham northern relief road and the western orbital route.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)

My Lords, the public inquiry into the proposals for the Birmingham northern relief road ended in October last year. The Secretaries of State for the Environment and Transport are awaiting the inspector's report. The western orbital route was transferred to the longer-term programme in November 1995 and work on it was stopped at that time.

The Earl of Bradford

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that fractionally encouraging response. However, is he aware of how much the timescale has slipped further since my Written Question of March 1995? Estimates of the continual traffic jams through the middle of Birmingham amount to an annual cost of between £200 million and £400 million. Is he aware also of the loss of credibility to the whole of the West Midlands area caused by those continual traffic jams at a time when many people are trying hard to create new jobs to replace those lost in the last two recessions?

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, the public inquiry took longer than was expected but it was particularly complex. I am well aware, however, of the great importance that is attached to the BNRR project both in the West Midlands and in the north west. Of course I recognise the severe traffic problems which the M.6 is currently experiencing. Those matters were taken fully into account during the course of the public inquiry. It is not appropriate for me to comment further on that in view of the role of the Secretaries of State for Transport and the Environment ultimately in determining the application.

Lord Wallace of Saltaire

My Lords, is the Minister aware that the congestion on the M.6 is not unconnected with the poor state of the west coast main line? Will the Minister assure the House that, when considering investment in transport, public transport by rail and trams in Birmingham will be considered as well as the building of roads?

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, the noble Lord will be fully aware of the Government's commitment to public transport and, indeed, to the success of the rail privatisation programme, which is aimed at encouraging people onto the railways.