§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans exist for the construction of an M27 motorway; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsWe have no present plans to extend the M27 motorway. However, consultants are carrying out a study into the possible need to increase the capacity of the existing roads and its junctions. They are expected to report in the spring.
We are also improving progressively the south coast trunk route, running westwards from the M27 to Honiton and eastwards to Folkestone. The national trunk road programme currently includes 36 schemes at various stages of preparation, collectively valued at some £375 million.