HC Deb 31 January 2003 vol 398 cc1063-4W
David Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many(a) minor, (b) serious and (c) fatal injuries there were at the A63 Melton junction in each year since 1997. [94303]

Mr. Spellar

The number of(a) I minor, (b) serious and (c) fatal injuries from road traffic accidents at the A63 Melton junction in each year since 1997, are shown in the table.

Casualties by severity at the A63 Melton junction, 1997 to 2001
Severity 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Fatal 0 1 3 0 0
Serious 0 3 1 0 0
Slight 2 27 16 10 9
All 2 31 20 10 9

David Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reason his Department did not issue a definitive response to the inspector's report on the A63 Grade Separated Junction proposal from the Highways Agency. [94426]

Mr. Spellar

The Inspector's Report on the A63 Melton Public Inquiry contained conclusions that supported the Highways Agency's proposals in all respects apart from one element of the Side Roads Order. This related to an alternative proposal for a junction at Corby Park, submitted by East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC). The Inspector concluded that further work should be carried out to check the feasibility of ERYC's alternative. That is why it was not possible for the Secretary of State to issue a definitive response on the outcome of the Public Inquiry.

The Highways Agency is currently working with ERYC to identify the optimum solution and reach agreement on the way forward. It is hoped that an announcement will be made soon.