§ 36. Mr. Roy HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how long the consultation period on the second Severn crossing will be; what discussions he is having with local representatives; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe consultants for the project (W. S. Atkins and Partners and G. Maunsell and Partners) are making good progress. A public exhibition has been held at nine different centres on both sides of the estuary and consultations are now under way with affected parties. These consultations will continue during the coming months. The Department and the Welsh Office are in touch with local representatives in the areas affected by the proposals.
The consultants are proceeding with the further technical investigations needed. We hope to be in a position to finalise the proposals in 18 to 24 months.