§ Sir Trevor SkeetTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to commence work on the bypass to the town of Bedford; and what is the reason for continued delays in outlining a route.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe preferred route was announced on 10 March 1987. Since then the Department has been looking very carefully at suggested alternatives. We plan to make our views known shortly.
Draft orders will be published early next year.
If all the statutory procedures are completed satisfactorily and funds are available, construction could start towards the end of 1990.