HC Deb 25 November 1968 vol 774 cc34-5W
Sir W. Bromley-Davenport

asked the Minister of Transport of the 215.6 miles of motoway previously planned to start in 1968, what lengths additional to the 49.35 miles of M5, M6 and M56 already announced are to be delayed to 1969; and if he will list them and give the reasons for the delay.

Mr. Marsh

Three contracts which were programmed to be awarded in 1968 are now expected to be let early in 1969. These are for a 12 mile length of the Midland links motorway (M6) between A46 and Coleshill, a similar length on M6 between Penrith and Carlisle and a 1 mile length on M40 between Burkes Road and B473 (Beaconsfield By-pass).

The delay is due on the first mentioned length to difficulties on statutory processes and land acquisition, on the second to difficulties on land acquisition, which necessitated a public inquiry, and on the third to difficulties on statutory processes and preparation of contract documents.