§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now able to say when he expects that the route of the M3 extension in the Winchester 485W area will be settled; and when construction of that extension will begin.
§ Mr. MarksThe route was fixed in 1973. The current public inquiry is into objections to the draft proposals for side road alterations, interchanges and the compulsory purchase of the necessary land. This of course involves consideration of the need for the motorway in terms of the expected traffic flows. It is planned to begin construction in 1978, but this is subject to the completion of the outstanding statutory procedures, including the Secretary of State's decision in the light of the recommendations of the inspector at the current inquiry, and to the availability of funds.