§ Mr. AlisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what stage has been reached in his departmental key event programme for the construction of the Selby bypass as published in September 1987; and what slippage has occurred.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe 1987 White Paper categorised the proposed Selby bypass for construction from 1991 onwards. Preparatory works have since proceeded and, following a public inquiry, orders establishing the line and necessary alterations to side roads were made last month. We expect the next stage, which is the publication of the draft compulsory purchase order, to occur this summer.
§ Mr. AlisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to be in a position to invite tenders for the construction of the Selby bypass and how soon thereafter to start work on the project.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleAs statutory, financial and other procedures have still to be completed for the Selby bypass scheme, it is too early to give a firm date for when tenders could be invited. After the compulsory purchase order is published, the legal procedures allowing for objections, and possibly a public inquiry, have to be followed. Once this order is made it typically takes six to 12 months until we would be in a position to invite tenders. Works could be ready to start about six months later.