§ Mr. Hillasked the Minister of Transport what was the original estimated cost of building the Hedge End to Chilworth link of the M27; what the estimated cost is now; what is the cost of land purchase, preparation work, such as direct access road, bridges, and so on; and if there are any conflicts of view between the three local authorities involved which could further delay the construction.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe original estimate was for the whole of the M27 motorway and the proportion attributable to the section between Chilworth and Hedge End cannot now be readily ascertained. However, in April 1978 the cost of this section was estimated at £14.8 million at November 1976 prices. The estimate at current prices is about £30 million; this includes the cost of land estimated at between £3 million and £4 million. About £130,000 has been spent on advance works including the moving of statutory undertakers' plant. I am not aware of any conflict between local authorities which could delay a decision on this scheme.