§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the widening of the M4 between London and Swindon to begin.
§ Mr. Kenneth Carlisle[holding answer 8 February 1993]: A contract for widening to four lanes of the short length of M4 between junctions 4B, M25, and 5, A4, has just been let and work will start shortly. Four other commissions to study the need and options for increasing capacity on the M4 between the M25 and junction 15 are proceeding satisfactorily and we expect to be in a position to start public consultation about further sections in the course of this year. Subsequent progress will depend on the outcome of public consultation and of any statutory procedures necessary and the availability of funding.