56. Mr. Connackasked the Minister of Transport what is the latest estimate of the cost of the proposed M54; and 559W whether he will review this project in view of the fact that the case against a six-lane motorway has been accepted and bearing in mind the need to cut public expenditure and save good agricultural land.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe present estimated cost of this scheme is about £54 million. Trunk road schemes are kept under review in the light of changing circumstances. I cannot comment on the question of the land required for the current proposals as this is the subject of a public inquiry. When the inspector's report is received, the proposals before the inquiry and the objections and representations in respect of them will be full considered.