HC Deb 16 December 1975 vol 902 cc627-8W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will lay before Parliament for approval an order giving effect to the proposed Airedale trunk road; and if he will ensure that this is done after consideration of the report from the inspector conducting the public inquiry into this matter.

Dr. Gilbert

Any order in respect of the route of the proposed Airedale trunk road would be made only after my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State had considered all the objections, together with the report and recommendations of the inspector. Such an order would be laid before Parliament only if circumstances were such as to make it statutorily subject to special parliamentary procedure.

Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of the evidence sent to him by the hon. Member for Preston, South in connection with the public inquiry held by his inspector into Aire Valley trunk road, if he is satisfied that the procedures in connection with the inquiry were properly carried out; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Gilbert

The evidence to which my hon. Friend refers cannot, I regret to say, be traced, but, if he will forward a further copy, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be pleased to consider it. My right hon. Friend is satisfied, however, that all the statutory procedures in connection with the public inquiry into objections to the Airedale trunk road proposals have been properly carried out.

Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many stewards were present at the Aire Valley trunk road inquiry on 7th, 18th and 19th November, respectively; by whom they were employed and paid; under whose orders they were acting; and how many were local government officers.

Dr. Gilbert

None on 7th November, 15 on 18th November and 20 on 19th November. The stewards were there to assist the inspector in the orderly conduct of the inquiry. Three were on the staff of consulting engineers and their costs will be reimbursed by the Department. The remainder were civil servants. None was a local government officer.