§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide a detailed break-down of the Q2/1992 prices for construction of the A49–465 Hereford bypass using the(a) published route and (b) western alternative route 1C; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleAs the hon. Gentleman will be aware, a public inquiry into the proposals for the Hereford bypass was held between March and September 1991 and in May 1992. The inspector heard evidence on the relative merits of the Department's published route and objectors' alternative route 1C and much of what the hon. Gentleman now asks, with many other issues, was discussed, in principle, at that time.
The inspector has submitted his report to the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Transport. They are presently considering his recommendations and will announce their decision soon. It would not be right for me to comment further on the merits of the eastern and western routes.