HC Deb 15 December 1975 vol 902 cc472-3W
Mr. Ford

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the purposes of the public inquiry into the Aire Valley route are limited to choosing between the four alternative lines of route suggested by his Road Construction Unit or whether the inspector can recommend further routes or no road at all; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Gilbert

The purpose of the inquiry is to enable my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to inform himself fully about the nature and merit of objections to and representations about the proposed Airedale trunk road. These may include proposals by objectors for alternative routes to the one proposed by the Secretary of State. The inspector can take account of all evidence that seems to him relevant in framing his report, and can make such recommendations as he thinks fit. He can recommend any or none of the routes put forward, with or without modifications.