Mr. Jacksonasked the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 1 May, Official Report, column 108, concerning the Oxford to Birmingham M40 extension, (a) what further steps have to be taken between the receipt of the inspector's report and the announcement of the decision and (b) what other matters affecting Oxfordshire and with his Department for decision await the announcement of this decision.
§ Mrs. Chalker(a) We shall need to consider the inspector's report in detail together with all the objections and representations before deciding whether to accept the inspector's recommendations in full or with modifications.
(b) Matters for decision affecting Oxfordshire and covered by the inspector's report include the proposals for the A43 and A421 between Peartree Hill and Wendlebury considered at the inquiry. In addition, the White Paper, "Policy for Roads in England: 1983", (Cmnd. 9059) noted that improvements to the A40 to the north of Oxford would be considered when the outcome of the motorway inquiry was known.
The need for, and nature of, any further major improvements to existing trunk roads which it is proposed to de-trunk if the M40 extension goes ahead, will depend on the decisions taken by my right hon. Friends following the inquiry.