National Roads Programme

HL Deb 31 July 1997 vol 582 cc99-100WA

Baroness Hilton of Eggardon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to publish the study they have undertaken into the total and cumulative environmental impact of the National Roads Programme.

Baroness Hayman

Under the previous government the department commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory to carry out a feasibility study into this subject. We have now received the study report, copies of which have been placed in the Library. The report highlights a number of practical difficulties about the way in which the total environmental impact can be defined and measured. As recommended, we are now seeking the views of interested statutory bodies and others. We will consider how best to proceed in light of those consultations, taking account of the Strategic Roads Review which my right honourable friend the Minister for Transport announced on 19 June (Official Report, cols. 278–79).