§ Sir John Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make arrangements before proceeding with plans for a new M25 between Seven-oaks and Swanley, for a public inquiry to be held.
§ Mr. MarksThe public are at present being consulted on three possible routes for this road. This is a non-statutory process which will result in a preferred route being announced. Some time after this, statutory proposals for a route will be published and the decision on whether or not to hold a public inquiry will depend upon the objections received.
§ Sir John Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated cost for building the new M25 between Swanley and Sevenoaks.
§ Mr. MarksThe estimated cost of constructing the alternative routes which are currently the subject of public consultation ranges from £14¾ million to £18¼ million depending on the route chosen.
§ Sir John Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a full statement on the reasons which led to the decision to build the new M25 between Sevenoaks and Swanley.
§ Mr. MarksThese are set out in the public consultation document, a copy of which was sent to the hon. Member on 3rd February.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if, in the light of the White Paper on Government expenditure, he will confirm that the likely starting date of the Al3 to A12 section of the M25 remains autumn 1976s;
(2) if, in the light of the White Paper on Government expenditure, he will estimate the likely starting date for construction of the A12 to A10 section of the M25.
§ Dr. GilbertThe Government continue to attach the highest priority to the completion of the M25 outer orbital route 309W around London. Subject to the continuing availability of funds and the completion of statutory procedures it is planned to start work as follows:
A12 to A13 Early in 1977 A10 to M11 Financial year 1978–79. M11 to A12 Financial year 1978–79.