§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future of the North Cross Route.
§ Mr. RipponThe Layfield Report recommends that the North Cross Route should be kept as part of the primary road network for London, and I have accepted this in endorsing the view of the GLC and the panel that an inner ring road is needed.
The GLC wishes to get ahead with the construction of one complete inner ring at the earliest date to bring environmental relief to large areas of central London by connecting the North Circular Road to the East and West Cross Routes. This would leave a decision on the building of the North Cross Route to be taken when the effect of the new ring can be assessed. I said in my statement on 19th February that the phasing of the construction of Ringway 1 is for further discussion with the GLC, and I shall be considering its proposal. I am aware of its intention to construct parts of these roads in tunnel. It also intends to let off on long leases any properties it already owns on the line of the North Cross Route, and it will not be taking the initiative to acquire any more.