§ Mr. Maudeasked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made 497W with the feasibility study for the Warwickshire section of the Oxford-Birmingham motorway; how many alternative routes are now under consideration; whether the appropriate planning authorities have been consulted; and when work on this project will be started.
§ Mr. MulleyA project feasibility study is at present being carried out into alternative lines for a new high grade road between Oxford and Birmingham. Planning authorities are being consulted during the course of the study whenever this is appropriate. Traffic flows are being investigated in a broad corridor between Oxford and Birmingham but I cannot give details of the alternative routes being considered until the final report reaches me in the spring. It is too soon to forecast when work might start.