§ 44. Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what new planning procedures he will adopt in order to ensure that the London to Foulness motorway is open by 1980.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have no proposals for new powers or procedures, at this stage. I see no reason why existing Highways Act procedures should not suffice.
§ 45. Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what criteria he assesses that Freeman, Fox and Partners are competent to act as his consultant engineers for the stretch of the M5 from Poltimore onwards; what steps he is taking to ensure that this firm is now adequately managed and supervised; whether they will be responsible for the design of the M5 Exe Bridge; and what bond of indemnity they will enter 315W into against the event of this bridge collapsing.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerFreeman, Fox & Partners were appointed as consulting engineers for the M5 from Poltimore onwards (including the Exe Bridge) in 1964. We maintain close relationships with all consultants working for us. It has never been our practice to reveal the precise controls exercised in this professional relationship. Any further development of box girder bridges would be carried out within the Merrison Rules. It is not our practice to require consultants to deposit indemnity bonds.
§ 48. Mr. Sydney Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average cost of construction of motorway per mile, based upon the cost of the latest lengths of six-lane motorways completed and opened in the last 12 months for which figures are available.
§ Mr. Graham Page£954,000.
§ 64. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he is now having with interests not wholly in support of the Sheffield-Manchester motorway; when he expects to conclude these; when he expects to make a statement about alternative routes he is considering; and if he will recommend a route.
§ Mr. Graham PageThe Department is still consulting the statutory planning authorities about the proposed new Sheffield-Manchester route. My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to announce our intentions on this route before too long.
§ 77. Mr. Palmerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps are taken to prevent foxes being hunted on or across motorways.
§ Mr. PeytonI am satisfied, following recent discussion with the Masters of Fox Hounds' Association, that those concerned do recognise the importance of keeping away from motorways, but I have asked the association to impress upon its members the need for vigilance.
§ 98. Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the powers, other than planning procedures, that he will seek to ensure that 316W the motorway to Foulness will be open by 1980.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have no proposals for new powers or procedures, at this stage. I see no reason why existing Highways Act procedures should not suffice.
§ 113. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will speed up the construction and completion of service stations on the newly-opened stretch of the M4.
§ Mr. Graham PageA service area at Membury is now partly open. Further facilities will be opened there next month and full facilities should be available this autumn. A comprehensive review of additional facilities for Berkshire has now been completed and proposals for development submitted to the local planning authority.
§ 114. Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that his present proposals for new motorways will provide adequate road links between the industrial Midlands cities and the east coast and Channel ports to deal with the growth of exports to Europe; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Graham PageOur declared policy is to give priority to the improvements of road links to the major ports from the major areas of industry. The trunk road strategy announced last June indicates the plans now in hand. I am giving continuing attention to this matter.