HC Deb 13 November 1974 vol 881 cc127-8W
51. Sir A. Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to complete the dual tracking of the road from the M6 to the Welsh border near Chester.

Mr. Mulley

It is expected that by the spring of 1975, 14½ miles of the M56 motorway will be open to traffic between the M6 and its present westerly terminal at Hapsford. A public inquiry was held earlier in the year into a six-mile westerly extension of the M56 from Hapsford to Lea-By-Backford, which is two and a half miles from the Welsh border. The Inspector's report is at present under consideration. Subject to the satisfactory completion of the statutory procedures and the availability of funds, this section of the route could be completed in 1978.