§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the reasons for the delay in dealing with the problems arising from trunk road traffic through Stoke-on-Trent; when he plans to make a decision; and if he will expedite the preparation of the required data.
§ Mr. RidleyWe are currently re-examining the various options for dealing with the trunk road traffic in this corridor in order to determine the best solution. To do this we need the latest available traffic information and this is unavoidably taking a little while to assemble and analyse, although I appreciate the concern locally for an early decision. As my hon. Friend promised the representatives of Staffordshire county council and Stoke city council when she met them last July, as soon as this information is available she will be arranging a further meeting with them before deciding how to proceed. I anticipate now that this will be some time in the spring.