§ 33. Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received on the consultative document regarding alternative routes to Maplin; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RipponBy Friday 12th October, the. closing date, over 2,800 people had sent me their comments on the alternative access routes. Some 60 local authorities and organisations have also commented. When I have considered the comments received I will be making a statement.
§ 49. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements have been made to receive the opinions and objections of the public on the proposed and preferred routes for road and rail links between Maplin and London; how many communications in this regard have so far been received by his Department via local authorities and otherwise; and what is the general character of the public response to date.
§ Mr. RipponI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mr. McCrindle) earlier today.
§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the 147W figures of comparative work costs given in the Consultative Document on the Maplin project include the cost of land acquisition.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsYes.
§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement about the progress of consultation on the Maplin project.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsConsultation documents on surface access routes to Maplin and proposed new town, published in July, were sent to local authorities and other interested bodies and were made widely available to the public in the areas concerned. Comments on both were invited by 12th October and all the views expressed will be taken into account.
§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what complaints he has received from local authorities and others about the length of time given for consideration of the Maplin consultation documents; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsSome local authorities and other bodies have asked for extra time. It should be possible to accommodate these requests within the period which will be needed to analyse and assess the replies of individual members of the public. My right hon. and learned Friend hopes to make a statement after considering the comments received.