HC Deb 13 July 1988 vol 137 c201W
Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take immediate steps to publish in full the four recently completed consultants' reports on road and traffic proposals for London; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

It is wrong to say the consultants have completed reports.

Nearly three weeks ago, on 23 June, at column 637, I stated that the working papers would be placed in the Library and that the consultants would discuss options with the boroughs participating in the studies.

There is a wrong report in today's Guardian that the public cannot have the consultants' working papers.

Over two weeks ago, on 27 June, at column 122, I stated that the working papers can be purchased from the consultants.

I refer the hon. Member to the consultants' stage 1 reports published in December 1986, the terms of reference for stage 2 published in July 1987 and the objectives of the studies developed in discussion with boroughs.