§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will explain Government policy on the replacement to the A20 between Folkestone and Dover in the light of the assertion in the Department's invitation to promoters on the channel fixed link that this would be built under any circumstances and the Minister's suggestion in the Department's press release of 14 May that this would be very unlikely if the fixed link were not to go ahead.
§ Mr. RidleyImprovements to the A20 between Folkestone and Dover remain firmly programmed in the Government's plans. These improvements were not planned to be completed before around the early 1990s. The precise alignment, design and standards of the improvements will depend significantly on the outcome of the British and French Government's decisions on whether or not a Channel fixed link—of whatever sort—is to proceed. This decision is expected to be made about the end of this year. And this timetable should not materially affect the eventual completion date of the necessary improvements.