§ Sir Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for Transport what time has elapsed since the conclusion of the public inquiry into the A1–M1 link road; when he expects to receive the inspector's report; when he intends to make a decision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyPublic inquiries into the proposed 45-mile M1–A1 link road ended last June after nine months. I understand that the inspector does not expect to complete his report before June or July of this year. Given the scope and complexity of the issues, my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Transport do not expect to announce their joint decision before the end of the year at the earliest.
§ Sir Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many representations he has received on the subject of the A1–M1 link road.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyAt the public inquiries, the inspector had before him about 1,200 objections and representations, including some in support of the proposals. A few representations have been received since the inquiries.