§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport why it was decided to serve the compulsory orders for the east London river crossing roads before satisfying the European Commission about compliance with the directive on environmental assessment.
§ Mr. ChopeThe decision to make all the outstanding orders was announced on 27 September. The making of these orders does not prejudice the outcome of the exchange with the European Commission on this matter. Major construction work will not start for some time. We intend to reply to the Commission shortly.