§ 78. Mr. Emeryasked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated total mileage of the Birmingham to Exeter Motorway; what mileage is open to traffic, under construction, has had contracts placed, is awaiting the return of tenders, has the line confirmed, has a proposed line, and has no proposed line, respectively; and what are the proposed dates of completion of the motorway.
Mr. Bob BrownThe total mileage is approximately 170 miles, of which 34 miles are open and 34 miles are under construction. A contract has recently been awarded for 6 miles and tenders received for the Avon Bridge and approaches (1 mile). The line has been made for the remaining 40 miles to Edithmead in Somerset, draft line proposals have been published for a 10 mile length beyond Edithmead but not yet published for a further extension of 45 miles to Exeter. The Motorway is expected to be completed as far as Almondsbury in Gloucestershire by the end of 1971, to Edithmead by the end of 1972 and to Exeter by the mid 1970's.