§ Mr. Penhaligonasked the Minister of Transport how many towns and villages are known to suffer such heavy traffic that they need bypasses immediately; to what extent the expected growth in traffic will increase that total of towns and villages by 1990; to what extent his Department's plans will fulfil that need for bypasses by 1990; and what is the estimated cost of providing all of these bypasses.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThere are no precise criteria of need for a bypass. Schemes in the trunk road programme would provide bypasses for almost all the communities for which they are, or are likely to become, justified on economic and environmental grounds. On timing and cost, I must ask the hon. Member to await the forthcoming White 135W Paper. Bypasses on non-trunk roads are the responsibility of the local highway authorities.