§ Mr. McLoughlinTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the current position on the plans for the Ashbourne bypass; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyPreliminary investigations by our consulting engineers into possible routes are now complete. We expect to be able to consult the public on alternatives in April this year and to make an announcement about this in March. A preferred route will be announced after we have fully considered the comments received. Future progress will depend on the results of further investigations and the completion of statutory procedures. At this early stage we do not expect construction work to start until late 1992.