Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 8 February,Official Report, columns 670–71, what is his estimate of the extra length of journey it would take if the proposed route of the new A1 went to the east of Knottingley.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleAbout three quarters of a mile.
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 8 February,Official Report, columns 670–71, what is the estimated annual cost of the new A1 bypassing Knottingley; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe present prediction of the annual cost in operational terms of the proposed A1 motorway between Redhouse and Hook Moor is £80 million. The similar cost of a route to the east of Knottingley would be £100 million.
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the public inquiry to take place on the new A1 proposals for Ferrybridge in West Yorkshire.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleA public inquiry would be held following the publication of draft orders. The timing of an inquiry depends upon the weight and nature of objections to the orders, but typically would be in two to three years from now.