§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received regarding the Birmingham Northern Relief Road. [51912]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonOur decision in July last year, that the Birmingham Northern Relief Road should proceed, concluded a lengthy statutory process. That process involved a 15-month public inquiry which provided a statutory forum for a wide range of representations. Our decision was reached after considering the Inspector's report that recommended in favour of the scheme. Although the orders for the scheme have been made we have continued to receive various representations from interested parties, including MPs and members of the public, on subjects related to the scheme—most notably the effects on the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals.