HC Deb 20 October 1995 vol 264 c392W
Dr. Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will make a statement on the lower Thames crossing study. [37642]

Mr. Watts

The consultants completed the feasibility study for the lower Thames crossing late last year and its findings are being considered by Ministers. This was a wide-ranging study looking at the need for a crossing, possible locations east of the present Dartford crossing and the suitability of the project for attracting private sector finance. Also particular attention had to be given to the sensitive environmental features of the Thames estuary and the impact on it of such a project.

Since the completion of the study, the former Secretary of State has initiated the transport debate following the publication of the royal commission report on environmental pollution and the Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment report on traffic generation. All of these issues need to be taken into account on a project such as this before any decisions can be taken on whether or not to take the project forward.

An announcement on the study will be made when all of these issues have been considered.