§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received advocating a third crossing at the Dartford tunnel on the M25; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerSince I announced in June the outcome of our consultants' traffic study, representations have been received from four Members of Parliament, the Leader of Kent county council, the tunnel manager, and chairman of Movement for London, and nine members of the public.
I explained in the adjournment debate on 21 October that we accept that there is a strong case on traffic grounds for additional capacity at Dartford, and that no time should be lost inproviding a third crossing. To that end we are considering on what basis the private sector could be invited to submit proposals for provision of an alternative.