HC Deb 26 January 1984 vol 52 cc687-8W
Mr. Snape

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations he plans with the appropriate district councils about the highways and transportation plans of the West Midlands county council which were submitted to him in September 1983; when these consultations will be completed; and which councils will be consulted.

Mrs. Chalker

We asked West Midlands county council in the 1984–85 TSG decision letter to draw up a firm list of proposed new starts in 1984–85 on schemes costing over £1 million. As the council has a number of major starts proposed towards the end of 1983–84 we expect these to be included in the list as well. We will consult the district councils concerned on any projects in their area on the list. We hope to conclude these consultations very quickly once the county council's firm list is received.

Mr. Snape

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will meet representatives of the West Midlands county council to discuss that council's highways and transportation plans as submitted to him in September 1983.

Mrs. Chalker

I do not think that a meeting with representatives of the county council will serve any useful purpose until I have received the list of proposed new, starts on schemes costing over £1 million referred to in my previous answer.

Mr. Snape

asked the Secretary of State for Transport why he has withheld permission for the redevelopment of Snow hill railway station in Birmingham as submitted to him in September 1983 in the highways and transportation programme of the West Midlands county council.

Mrs. Chalker

The county council does not need permission before embarking on the scheme, but I am not prepared to commit myself to providing TSG support in future years until I have seen a detailed evaluation of the scheme, and until I have been able to discuss it with the district councils concerned.

Mr. Snape

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give his approval to any highways arid transportation proposals submitted by the West Midlands county council which are scheduled to be completed in 1986 or thereafter.

Mrs Chalker

The county council does not need approval before embarking on such schemes, but before I commit myself to providing TSG support in future years, we need to see a firm list of the county council's proposed starts, and to discuss them with the districts concerned.