HC Deb 24 July 1975 vol 896 cc326-7W
Mr. Dan Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from archaeological interests in protest against the building of a Milton Keynes bypass; what reply he has made; and if he will make a statement on his present plans for the construction of this road.

Mr. Carmichael

Objections were made by archaeological interests at the public inquiry held in May 1973. The decision of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to confirm the route of the diversion of the A5 through Milton Keynes was conveyed to objectors on 19th November 1974. Subject to the satisfactory completion of the remaining statutory processes and the availability of funds construction of the new road is expected to start next spring.

Mr. Dan Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the decision to build a Milton Keynes bypass was taken by his Road Construction Unit; and what is the estimated cost.

Mr. Carmichael

The proposal for the diversion of the A5 through Milton Keynes was accepted into the trunk road preparation pool in May 1970 and transferred to the firm road programme in November 1974 to start in the financial year 1975–76, subject to the satisfactory completion of the statutory processes and the availability of funds. The current estimated cost of the scheme is about£19 million.