§ Baroness Scott of Needham Marketasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what date, and to whom in the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, the Prime Minister gave a commitment to accelerate completion of the Silverstone bypass; and [HL5746]
What advice the Prime Minister or other Ministers received, and from whom, that the wider national interest would be served by the acceleration of the Silverstone bypass; and whether the Government will place such advice in the Library of the House; and [HL5747]
Whether the Prime Minister or his office contacted the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions to encourage the then Secretary of State to issue the relevant ministerial direction concerning the Silverstone bypass; and [HL5748]
Whether the Prime Minister will place in the Library of the House any correspondence about the Silverstone bypass between his office and (a) the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions; (b) the Highways Agency and (c) the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. [HL5749]
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)The British Grand Prix is an important global showcase for the UK motorsport industry which is estimated to contribute approximately £5 billion annually to the national economy. In addition it brings about £30 million to the local economy over the Grand Prix weekend. In light of these factors, the Government felt that the wider national interest would be best served by speeding up road improvements and thereby providing the best available road access for this year's event.
The Secretary of State has already placed a copy of Stephen Byers's direction to the Highways Agency of 28 February 2002 in the Library (Hansard No. 70237, col. 1253 W). I am today placing in the Library a copy of the submission from David York, Highways Agency Operations Director, referred to in the direction. This provides more detail on the decision to accelerate the work on the Silverstone Bypass.
Information relating to internal discussion and advice is not being disclosed under Exemption 2, Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.