HC Deb 04 December 1979 vol 975 cc131-2W
Mr. Fry

asked the Minister of Transport what is the likely expenditure in 1980–81 on English motorway or trunk road schemes started, or due to start in 1979–80; what is the likely expenditure on schemes started before 1979–80 in 1980–81; what the residual expenditure is likely to be; and what implications these figures have for the total planned motorway and trunk road construction budget for 1980–81 of £312 million at 1979 survey prices.

Mr. Fowler

Expenditure at 1979 survey prices on schemes costing over £0.5 million started or due to start in 1979–80 is estimated to be £80 million and for such schemes started before 1979–80 is estimated to be £110 million. I cannot at present precisely identify the residual expenditure.

I have reviewed the schemes expected to be ready to start up to summer 1980 in the light of the residual funds likely to be available. I have decided that the following schemes should go ahead as soon as they are ready:

M25 All schemes ready
M1 widening in Hertfordshire (subject to resolution of legal challenge)
A13 Newham A13/A117 Junction
A31 Wimborne Bypass
A34 Kingsworthy-Bullington
A590 Ulverston Bypass
Al20 Colchester Eastern and Elmstead Market Bypass
M63 Stockport East/West Bypass (stages 4 and 5)
A63 South Dock Road, Hull (advanced works)
Al9 Billingham Diversion (main works)

I hope to be able to treat similarly the A40, West End Road scheme in Hillingdon, and to be able to start the following schemes during the year:

A49 Brimfield Bypass
A66 Troutbeck diversion
A17 Heckington Bypass

In addition, I have agreed to provide 100 per cent. grants for the following local authority schemes which are expected to start in the same period:

M531 Ellesmere Port-Chester
M25 Dartford Tunnel Approach Road improvements
A52 Gamston-Lings Bar
M602 Salford Docks Road

Other schemes which may not be ready to start until later in 1980, and which will have limited effects on spending in 1980–81, will be included in my full review of the road programme, the results of which will be published in a White Paper in the new year.

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