§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he still plans to go ahead with the proposed Aire Valley motorway.
§ Mr. MulleyI share my hon. Friend's concern about the uncertainty which has surrounded this scheme since the original proposals were published in December 1973. I have now decided, after a very thorough review, that the future traffic needs of the area can best be met by a new all-purpose road from Baildon to west of Kildwick with ground level roundabouts where these are capable of dealing with the traffic flows. This will 607W be shorter and far less disruptive than the motorway originally planned, and, because it will cost less, can be built earlier. We intend to publish revised proposals in the spring and hold a public inquiry towards the end of next year. If our proposals are acceptable work should start at about the end of the decade.