§ 51. Mr. Peter M. Jacksonasked the Minister of Transport whether he will defer his decision respecting the trans-Pennine route over the projected Wood-head Pass until such time as he is able 11W to determine the effect of the completed M62 on traffic flows between Sheffield and Barnsley to Manchester and Liverpool; and whether he will make a statement.
§ 55. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Transport (1) what evidence has now been submitted to him regarding the need for a trans-Pennine motorway between Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool and the West;
(2) what are the alternative routes he is now considering for the next trans-Pennine motorway after the M62; whether he has yet decided which route will receive priority; and if he will now state the year when construction will commence and be completed for the routes that are now being considered.
§ Mr. MarshTwo project feasibility studies are being carried out in the South Pennine area to examine the need for high standard roads between Sheffield and Manchester and between Derby and Stoke. Reports on both studies are expected at the end of the year and will take account of all relevant factors, including likely traffic flows on M62. I will subsequently announce the schemes on which detailed preparation work will continue. It is too soon to forecast possible routes or starting dates.