§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for transport (1) to what factors he attributes the failure to announce his decision on the public inquiry into the Melton Mowbray inner relief road, in view of the statement by the hon. Member for Wallasey (Mrs. Chalker) in an official letter to the hon. Member for Melton dated 3 February that it was hoped to announce the decision by the end of February;
(2) when he expects to announce his decision on the public inquiry into the Melton Mowbray inner relief road.
§ Mrs. ChalkerConsideration of the inspector's report has taken longer than we hoped. Sensitive issues are involved and there were many objections to the proposals. Consideration of the report has also been delayed due to pressure of other work in our east midlands regional office.
My right hon. Friends expect to announce their joint decision very soon.