HC Deb 04 December 1989 vol 163 c99W
77. Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the plans to complete the M3.

Mr. Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement of progress on the southern extension of the M3.

Mr. Atkins

Work to widen and upgrade the A33 between Compton, south of Winchester, and the M27, to form the southernmost section of the M3 started in August. It is scheduled for completion in late summer 1991.

Revised proposals for the remaining section between Bar End and Compton, around Winchester, were the subject of a public inquiry in 1985 which was re-opened in 1987–88 to consider further evidence. My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Transport are considering the reports of the independent inspectors who conducted the inquiries. They will announce their decisions as soon as they are able. Construction dates will depend on the nature of those decisions.