HC Deb 30 January 1975 vol 885 c245W
Mr. Frank R. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations his Department had with the officials and members of Great Manchester Council prior to his decision not to allow sufficient funds to allow a start to be made on the Picc-Vic rail tunnel project in 1975–76.

Mr. Mulley

Discussions about this project have taken place at officer level over the past four years. Both my predecessor and I have visited Manchester to meet the council and the passenger transport executive. I also met a deputation from the council on the topic in London on 13th May 1974.

Mr. Frank R. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what discussions he has had following his rejection of the Picc-Vic project;

(2) if he will visit Greater Manchester to inspect the areas affected by the proposals related to Central Manchester and the Bury road rail link interchange with the Picc-Vic rail tunnel project.

Mr. Mulley

I have been invited by the Greater Manchester Council to visit Manchester, and hope to do so during the next few weeks. Under the transport supplementary grant provisions, it is for local authorities to determine their priorities within the total resources available.