§ Mr. Speedasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will state the latest progress on the public inquiry into the Ashford-Hollingbourne section of the M20 motorway; when he expects to publish the inspector's report; what is the amount spent on design and construction of this section so far; and when, subject to completion of satisfactory procedures, he hopes to let the main construction contract.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe are considering the inspector's report, which was received in February. I hope to make an announcement and publish the report this summer. Subject to the satisfactory completion of the remaining statutory procedures, we hope to start main construction early next year.
The costs to date are as follows:
£ Design work 3,250,000 Surveys and testing 425,000 Advance construction of two bridges 2,527,000 Other expenses 22,000 6,224,000 As I explained in my reply to my hon. Friend on 19 January 1987, column 387, design costs up to 1980 and the Department's administrative costs are not included.