§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Transport what will be the total length of the M25 upon completion within the county of Essex; how many service stations have been designated along its route; and what is his latest estimate of the cost of construction.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe total length from the Dartford tunnel to the county boundary near Waltham Cross will be 23 miles. Over this length the route crosses several times into and out of Greater London; the total mileage within Essex will be just over 17. The estimated final works cost for the 23 mile length is £190 million at current prices. We are studying the need for service areas on the whole of M25 and I hope to make an announcement later this year.