§ Mr. David Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for improving the A34 from the northern end of the Whitchurch bypass to the Berkshire county boundary; and what is his time-table thereon.
§ Mr. HoramThe first stage of the improvement of the Hampshire section of the A34 between Litchfield and Newbury is programmed to start in 1979 or 1980, subject to the satisfactory completion of statutory procedures and the availability of funds at the time. We are at present studying possible options for the route, and hope to be able to make an announcement before long. A start date has yet to be determined for the second stage crossing into Berkshire, on which much more study has still to be done.