§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the implications of the M65 link to the M6/M61 (a) for traffic movement to and from north-east Lancashire and (b) for industrial requirements in the area.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI have received numerous representations from individuals and organisations in Lancashire that, on traffic grounds and for reasons of advantage to industry, a new route should be provided to connect the proposed terminal point of the M65 at Whitebirk, east of Blackburn, with the M6/M61.
I am currently considering a detailed case submitted by Lancashire county council that the former "green route", which would have made this connection, should be reinstated in the trunk road programme and hope to announce my decision on this in the near future.