§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will ensure that future showings of the exhibition for the Bingley to Shipley section of the Aire valley trunk route show the route recommended by Mr. R. Chance, the inspector, in addition to the other routes proposed.
§ Mr. RidleyThe inspector's recommendation was that a new route should be examined, rejoining the existing trunk road at Cottingley Bar. That recommendation was accepted by Ministers in 1982. I have explained in reply to an earlier question by the hon. Member on 14 June at column527, why in my view the option on which—among others—my Department is now seeking views is entirely consistent with the acceptance of the inspector's recommendation. Should it be judged necessary to hold a further exhibition, I shall see that the plans make it clear that this option rejoins the trunk road at a different point from that recommended my Mr. Chance and the reasons why this is considered to be an improvement.
§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Transport if, in the light of the decision of the development committee of the Bradford metropolitan council to oppose all three of the proposed routes, he will reconsider his proposals for the Bingley to Shipley section of the Aire valley trunk road scheme.
§ Mr. RidleyI have made no formal proposals for this section of the Aire valley trunk road. As I have explained in my answer to the hon. Member on 14 June at column527 the purpose of public exhibitions of this kind is, and quite rightly, to obtain people's views and those of the local authorities concerned. The hon. Member may also like to be reminded that the exhibition on this section of the Aire valley route was mounted in co-operation with Bradford city council. Its views will, of course, be taken into account along with others when I consider what formal proposals to make.