§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Minister of Transport when he expects to be able to announce details of the route of the proposed East London river crossing linking the A13 with the A2 at Falconwood; what is the latest estimate of the cost of the scheme including the new tunnel under the Thames; and when work is expected to start.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe scheme was only recently included in the trunk road programme and the planning work is at a very early stage. The last estimated cost was £105 million. Consultants are currently being appointed to carry the work forward and we would hope to be able to announce a preferred route during 1982. The timing thereafter will depend on progress with preparing the scheme and the priority accorded to it in the review of the road programme, the results of which will be shown in the roads White Paper.